Pittsburgh winters demand a furnace that works. If yours is aging, inefficient, or on its last legs, here is what replacement actually costs in this area.
Furnace Cost by Type
Standard efficiency gas furnace (80% AFUE):
- Unit + installation: $2,500-$4,500
- Vents through a chimney or sidewall
- Lower upfront cost, higher monthly gas bills
High-efficiency gas furnace (90-98% AFUE):
- Unit + installation: $4,000-$8,000
- Uses sealed combustion and a PVC vent (no chimney needed)
- Higher upfront cost but 10-25% lower gas bills
- Qualifies for utility rebates in some cases
Electric furnace:
- Unit + installation: $1,500-$3,500
- Much cheaper to install but expensive to operate
- Rarely recommended in Pittsburgh due to high electricity costs
Oil furnace:
- Unit + installation: $4,000-$7,000
- Still found in some Pittsburgh-area homes
- Higher fuel costs than natural gas
Most Pittsburgh homes are on natural gas, so the choice is usually between standard (80%) and high-efficiency (90%+) gas furnaces.
The Efficiency Question
An 80% AFUE furnace converts 80% of gas into heat — the other 20% goes up the flue. A 96% AFUE furnace converts 96% to heat.
For Pittsburgh, where you run your furnace 5-6 months per year, the difference is meaningful. On a $1,500 annual gas bill, upgrading from 80% to 96% efficiency saves roughly $250-$375 per year. Over a 20-year furnace life, that is $5,000-$7,500 in savings.
The break-even point: a high-efficiency furnace typically pays back its extra upfront cost in 5-8 years through lower gas bills.
What Affects the Price
Home size and BTU requirements. Larger homes need larger furnaces. A 1,500 sq ft home might need 70,000 BTU while a 3,000 sq ft home needs 120,000 BTU.
Ductwork condition. If your existing ductwork is damaged, undersized, or leaking, modifications add $500-$3,000.
Gas line. If the gas line needs to be resized or extended, add $200-$800.
Venting. High-efficiency furnaces need PVC venting through a sidewall. If your home currently vents through a chimney, the installer needs to run new PVC pipes — typically included in the install price.
Permits. Most Pittsburgh-area municipalities require a mechanical permit ($50-$200). Your contractor usually handles this.
Rebates and Tax Credits
Federal tax credits. High-efficiency furnaces (AFUE 97%+) may qualify for federal energy tax credits. Check current IRS guidelines.
Utility rebates. Check with your gas provider for furnace efficiency upgrade rebates.
Products Worth Having
- Smart thermostat — pair with your new furnace for maximum efficiency
- Furnace filters (bulk pack) — stock up, change every 1-3 months
- Carbon monoxide detector — essential with any gas furnace
- Furnace humidifier — Pittsburgh winters are dry indoors
Getting a Quote
If yinz are thinking about a new furnace, get connected through KeepYinzCool. We will match you with local installers who can give you an honest quote and help you pick the right efficiency level for your budget.