How much does a heating system cost ?

Replacing a heating system in your home is a large task depending on where you live. You will be limited in choices based on what utilities are available in your area. Also, you need to consider more than just replacing the heating unit as you will need to install duct work if you are going from electric to gas heating.

In addition to taking available utilities into consideration, you will also want to consider your future energy bill into your new heating system cost. For instance, it may seem like a good idea to upgrade from electric to propane; however, if propane costs are high, your future bills could be outrageous. Balancing the need for a good heating system with future costs is something that you must do when considering the type of heating system to go with.

Electric Heating System Costs.

An electric heating system consists of baseboard heaters that are located in each room of your home. Each heater is controlled by its own thermostat which must be adjusted for each room. When considering a new heating system cost, it is advisable that you obtain a quote for both replacement of your electric heating system and to upgrade to a natural gas heating system. The money that you save in the long wrong could be worth the upfront upgrade cost.

The cost for each baseboard heater will run you approximately $225 to $600 which includes installation. This is for replacement heaters if you already have the wiring from your old baseboard heater and thermostat in place. You should add approximately 20% more if the contractor needs to run electric wiring from the new baseboard heater to the thermostat on the wall.

Natural Gas Heating System Costs.

A natural gas heating system (also known as “gas forced air”) involves an individual heating unit (usually located in the basement) with a series of ducts that blow warm air throughout your home. The air is blow through all of the ducts and you control the flow of air by opening and closing vents in each room. The heat is controlled by a thermostat (sometimes multiple thermostats) for the entire house so that you do not need to control heat in individual rooms as you will with electric baseboard heating.

The cost of a gas forced air heating system will run you approximately $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of the unit. This price includes installation of the main unit but does not include the cost to repair, replace, or install duct work. If you do not already have duct work or need your current duct work replaced, plan on paying twice as much.

Propane Heating System Costs.

Propane heating systems are similar to natural gas heating systems only they run on propane as opposed to natural gas. They are used in areas where people want a gas forced air system but do not have a natural gas utility provider in their area. A propane tank will need to be purchased (or rented) for your property in order to maintain proper fuel for this type of unit. The heating units are the same except they use a converter in order to burn the propane as opposed to natural gas.

The cost for a propane heating system is the same as gas forced air and will run you approximately $3,000 to $10,000 which includes installation. Additional factors to consider when installing this system is the price of a propane tank (most areas will only rent them at a price ranging from $10 to $50 per month). You will also need to make sure that you monitor the fuel level so that you do not run out of propane.

Additional Price Consideration.

If you have electric heat in your home, it is suggested that you purchase good ceiling fans for each room. As heat rises and there are no air ducts (like with gas forced air) to push the heat around the room, a ceiling fan can help even out the heat. In addition, as heat rises they will help push the warmer air to ground level so that the base board heaters do not need to work as much. Good ceiling fans will help you save money and make your electric heating system last longer.

If you are upgrading to gas forced air heat from electric heat, consider going with a combination of both. Many people will run duct work to the main areas of the residence and leave electric baseboard heating in rooms that are rarely used (e.g., spare bedrooms). This saves money from not having to run additional duct work.

To get a better idea of costs, here are some heating system estimates from professionals.

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