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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 1992. A 95% AFUE furnace can reduce energy use compared with an 80% AFUE model—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
Usage varies
95% AFUE vs 80% AFUE in typical home
Chicago gas prices: Utility rates vary. Actual savings and payback depend on usage and current rates.
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 $$)
We install all brands. Here's honest advice on what you're actually buying.
Budget High-Efficiency
92-93% AFUE
$$$
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
$$$
Installed
Brands:
Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, Rheem
Best for:
Long-term homeowners, balanced value
Features:
Two-stage heating, quieter, better humidity control
Warranty:
10-year parts, some lifetime heat exchangers
Premium High-Efficiency
96-98% AFUE
$$$
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 circuit's in basement.
Solution: We add circuit's if needed ($)
Condensing furnaces produce acidic condensate. Need drain or pump. Many Chicago basements have no drain near furnace location.
Solution: We install condensate pump ($)
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 a permit and inspection. Allow time for city processing. We file the permit, schedule the inspection, and include those requirements in the written estimate.
Skip permits = voided home insurance if something goes wrong
âš¡ Already have a furnace? Replacements are way faster.
Furnace replacement (swapping out an existing furnace): 1 day max. We remove the old unit and install the new one in 6-8 hours. Same permit process, but the install itself is same-day service.
The timeline below is for brand-new installations where there's no existing furnace or ductwork.
Free consultation. We measure your home, evaluate insulation, plan ductwork routes through basement/attic/crawlspace, check electrical capacity, identify structural challenges for new ducts.
We design the complete duct system, calculate airflow for each room, price the furnace, ducts, registers, and electrical work, and include the City of Chicago permit in the written estimate.
Chicago permit approval takes 1-2 weeks minimum, sometimes 3 weeks if they have questions. We track it daily. Legally can't start work without approved permit.
• Install supply trunk line through basement/attic
• Run branch ducts to each room
• Cut and frame floor/ceiling registers
• Install return air ducting
• Seal all duct joints (mastic, not tape)
• Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces
• Install new furnace and connect to ductwork
• Run condensate drain line/pump
• Install new electrical circuit (if needed)
• Connect gas line with shutoff valve
• Install thermostat and wire to furnace
• Test ignition, airflow, safety controls
• Balance airflow to all rooms
• Homeowner walkthrough
Inspector checks ductwork installation, furnace installation, electrical, gas connections, combustion safety. You must be present. We handle scheduling and deal with any inspection issues.
Here's what's actually in the price. We're not hiding $$$ in the furnace cost.
How we price: We buy equipment at contractor pricing (40-50% off MSRP), charge you near-retail for equipment, make profit on labor efficiency. Installation quality is where we compete—not by hiding markup in equipment.
We're setting up financing options that actually make sense. For now, we recommend applying through your credit union for better rates.
Many customers finance through their home equity line (lowest rates) or local credit unions. We're transparent about financing—we won't push high-interest contractor loans when our program launches.
Furnace replacement (swapping existing furnace): 1 day max, 6-8 hours of actual work. Brand-new installation (no existing system): 1-2 days depending on ductwork needs. Both require 1-2 weeks for Chicago permit approval before we can start. Rush the permit and you'll fail inspection—we've seen it happen.
Yes—always. Chicago requires permits for furnace replacements. We file the permit and include it in the written estimate.
The only right answer is: whatever the Manual J heat load calculation says. Rules of thumb (400 sq ft per ton) fail in Chicago because they ignore insulation, windows, and orientation. We calculate it—for free—with every quote.
Budget high-efficiency (92% AFUE): $$$. Mid-range (95% AFUE): $$$. Premium (96-98% AFUE): $$$. Includes equipment, labor, permit, and installation. Chicago electrical or condensate work adds $ 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): $$$
Mid-Range (95% AFUE): $$$
Premium (96-98% AFUE): $$$
Manual J calculation: FREE
Permits: Included in written estimate
Chicago city inspection: Scheduled by us
Serving Chicago since 1992. Serving Chicago homeowners who want honest HVAC work.