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High-efficiency furnace installation replaces older equipment to reduce energy use and improve home comfort.
We've been installing high-efficiency furnaces in Chicago homes since 2008. A 95% AFUE furnace saves $200-400/year vs 80% AFUE—but only if it's sized right. We do Manual J calculations on every installation because oversized furnaces waste the efficiency you paid for.
AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how much gas becomes heat vs. goes up the chimney.
80% AFUE
Older furnaces: Often 60-70% AFUE. Heat escapes up chimney.
What it means: 80 cents of every dollar becomes heat, 20 cents exhausted
90-98% AFUE
Condensing furnaces with second heat exchanger
What it means: 95 cents of every dollar becomes heat, 5 cents exhausted
$200-400/year
95% AFUE vs 80% AFUE in typical home
Chicago gas prices: ~$1.20/therm. Payback: Usually 8-12 years
Honest talk: High-efficiency isn't always a financial slam dunk. Payback is 8-12 years. If you plan to sell in 5 years, standard efficiency might make more sense. We'll show you the math—you decide.
Many companies just match your existing furnace size or use "rules of thumb" (400 sq ft per ton). This is the Manual J sizing scam.
Short Cycling
Furnace reaches temp in 3 minutes, shuts off, restarts. Wastes gas, wears parts.
Uneven Heat
Blasts hot air for 5 minutes, then nothing. Rooms feel like a sauna, then cold.
Premature Failure
Heat exchangers crack faster from thermal stress. 15-year furnace dies in 10.
Manual J calculation: Included FREE with every installation quote (some companies charge $300+)
We install all brands. Here's honest advice on what you're actually buying.
Budget High-Efficiency
92-93% AFUE
$3,200-4,500
Installed (Chicago bungalow)
Brands:
Goodman, Amana, basic Carrier
Best for:
Budget-conscious, plan to move in 5-10 years
Warranty:
10-year parts
Mid-Range High-Efficiency
95-96% AFUE
$4,500-6,500
Installed
Brands:
Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, Rheem
Best for:
Long-term homeowners, balanced value
Features:
Two-stage heating, quieter, better humidity control
Warranty:
10-year parts, some lifetime heat exchangers
Premium High-Efficiency
96-98% AFUE
$6,500-9,000
Installed
Brands:
Lennox SLP98V, Carrier Infinity, Trane XV
Best for:
Efficiency enthusiasts, very large homes
Features:
Modulating burner (1-100% capacity), ultra-quiet, perfect with smart thermostats
Warranty:
Lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year parts
Bungalows built 1910-1940 have challenges that new construction doesn't. Here's what we deal with:
Knob-and-tube wiring, 100-amp panels. High-efficiency furnaces need 120V dedicated circuit. Many old homes only have 1-2 circuits in basement.
Solution: We add circuits if needed ($200-600)
Condensing furnaces produce acidic condensate. Need drain or pump. Many Chicago basements have no drain near furnace location.
Solution: We install condensate pump ($150-250)
Can't use old chimney. Side-wall venting required. Steam plumes in winter (neighbor complaints are common).
Solution: We route venting carefully, comply with clearance codes
Chicago requires permit ($150-300) + inspection. 1-2 week delay. We file permits, schedule inspection, ensure you pass.
Skip permits = voided home insurance if something goes wrong
Free, 1 hour. We measure your home, check electrical, assess ductwork, identify challenges.
We prepare detailed quote showing exactly what's included. File permit with City of Chicago.
Chicago takes 1-2 weeks. We track it. Can't install without approved permit.
• Remove old furnace
• Install new furnace
• Run new condensate drain/pump if needed
• Add electrical circuit if needed
• Connect to existing ductwork
• Test and balance airflow
• Program thermostat
• Homeowner walkthrough
Inspector checks installation. You must be present. We handle scheduling.
Here's what's actually in the price. We're not hiding $2,000 in the furnace cost.
How we price: We buy equipment at contractor pricing (40-50% off MSRP), charge you near-retail for equipment, make profit on labor efficiency. Installation quality is where we compete—not by hiding markup in equipment.
We can help arrange financing, or recommend applying through your credit union for better rates.
Many customers finance through their home equity line (lowest rates) or local credit unions. We're transparent about financing—we don't push high-interest contractor loans.
A typical replacement takes 6-10 hours on installation day. Add 1-2 weeks for Chicago permit approval before we can install. Rush the permit and you'll fail inspection—we've seen it happen.
Yes—always. Chicago requires permits for furnace replacements ($150-300). Any contractor who says otherwise is risking your home insurance coverage. We file permits on every job.
The only right answer is: whatever the Manual J heat load calculation says. Rules of thumb (400 sq ft per ton) fail in Chicago because they ignore insulation, windows, and orientation. We calculate it—for free—with every quote.
Budget high-efficiency (92% AFUE): $3,200-4,500. Mid-range (95% AFUE): $4,500-6,500. Premium (96-98% AFUE): $6,500-9,000. Includes equipment, labor, permit, and installation. Chicago electrical or condensate work adds $200-600 if needed.
Mid-range brands (Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, Rheem) offer the best value for most Chicago homes. Premium brands (Carrier Infinity, Trane XV) add features most people don't use. Budget brands (Goodman, Amana) work fine if installed correctly. Installation quality matters more than brand name.
If your AC is 12+ years old: yes. Labor costs overlap, and you'll get better matched efficiency. If your AC is under 7 years: probably not worth it unless it's already having problems. We won't push you either way—we're not on commission.
No sales pitch. No commission salespeople. Just honest pricing and right-sized equipment for your Chicago home.
Budget (92% AFUE): $3,200-4,500
Mid-Range (95% AFUE): $4,500-6,500
Premium (96-98% AFUE): $6,500-9,000
Manual J calculation: FREE
Permits: Included ($150-300)
Chicago city inspection: Scheduled by us
Founded 2008. Serving Chicago homeowners who want honest HVAC work.