What’s the Difference Between Furnace Installation and Furnace Replacement?

If you’re researching furnace installation or replacement, you might be wondering: what’s the difference? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct services. Knowing which one you need can help you make the right choice and find a service provider equipped to handle your specific situation.

At Sheets Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we specialize in both furnace installation and furnace replacement, serving homeowners throughout Fort Wayne, IN, and beyond. In this blog, we’ll explain how these services differ, walk you through the processes involved, and make sure you have all the information needed to move forward with confidence.

The Furnace Installation Process

When installing a furnace for a newly built home or switching from a non-central heating system, furnace installation is the service you’ll need. This process involves selecting the best heating system for your home and ensuring it integrates seamlessly with your HVAC setup for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. Here’s what the process looks like:

Assessment: A licensed HVAC contractor evaluates your home’s heating requirements, taking into account square footage, insulation, and desired energy efficiency.
Furnace Selection: You’ll work with your contractor to choose an electric or natural gas furnace that fits your home, preferences, and budget.
Installation: The new furnace is expertly installed and connected to your ductwork, electrical system, and thermostat for smooth operation.
Testing: Once installed, your furnace undergoes thorough testing to ensure everything runs correctly and efficiently, delivering consistent warmth to your home.

How Long Does a New Furnace Installation Take?

The timeline for a new furnace installation varies depending on factors like the type of furnace, your home’s layout, and any adjustments needed to accommodate the new system. For a standard gas or electric furnace, installation typically takes 4–8 hours. If additional work is required, like when you’re converting from a different heating method, the process may take longer.

What to Look for in a New Heating System

Choosing the right furnace can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Consider the following factors when selecting your new heating system:

Furnace Type: Choosing between gas furnaces, electric furnaces, or oil furnaces depends on your home’s energy infrastructure and heating requirements.
Furnace Brand: Go for trusted brands with furnace models renowned for their durability, efficiency, and advanced technology.
Energy Efficiency: Look for a high-efficiency furnace with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of at least 90% or higher to save on energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Size: An oversized furnace leads to energy waste while an undersized furnace will be forced to work too hard and wear out faster.
Features: Consider features like variable-speed blowers for quieter operation, smart thermostat compatibility for better control, and zoning capabilities for targeted comfort.

As a Trane Comfort Specialist, Sheets Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing provides top-of-the-line furnaces with advanced features to meet your comfort needs. Our certified, licensed, and insured technicians guide you in selecting the perfect system, ensuring it aligns with your home’s requirements and your preferences. With flexible financing options, we make upgrading to a reliable, energy-efficient furnace more accessible than ever.

What Does a Furnace Replacement Include?

While installation focuses on setting up a furnace from scratch, furnace replacement involves removing an old or malfunctioning system and installing a new one in its place. The replacement process typically requires additional steps, such as:

Removal of the Old Unit: The current system is carefully disconnected and removed without damaging ductwork or surrounding structures.
System Upgrades: Your thermostat or other HVAC components may need updates to accommodate the new furnace. Duct modifications are also a possibility.

When Do I Need a Replacement Furnace?

Most furnaces last 15–20 years with regular maintenance, but there are signs it’s time for a replacement:

Old Age: Your old furnace is nearing or beyond its expected lifespan.
Frequent Repairs: If furnace repair costs are adding up, a replacement may be more cost-effective.
Rising Energy Costs: Higher energy bills without increased usage often point to an inefficient system that needs to be replaced.
Inconsistent Heating: Uneven temperatures throughout your home signal a struggling furnace.
Safety Concerns: Cracked heat exchangers or carbon monoxide risks mean immediate replacement is necessary.

How Much Does a Furnace Replacement Cost?

Replacing a furnace comes with installation costs that depend on the system’s type, size, and any adjustments needed to your HVAC system. Though it may seem like a large expense, it’s a long-term investment in maintaining a warm, efficient, and safe home. Sheets Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing will work with you to select the perfect Trane system that aligns with your heating needs and financial plan. Our financing options make upgrading your home furnace an achievable step toward greater comfort.

Sheets Has the Furnace Services You Need

At Sheets Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we take pride in offering comprehensive furnace services to homeowners in Greater Fort Wayne, Auburn, New Haven, Columbia City, Huntertown, and more. Our team of licensed, insured, and certified technicians delivers dependable solutions, including:

Furnace Installation: We carefully install new heating systems to maximize comfort and efficiency in your home.
Furnace Replacement: Our team seamlessly replaces outdated or failing furnaces with modern, high-performing units.
Furnace Repair: With our 24/7 emergency furnace repair service, we promptly diagnose and resolve issues to restore warmth and functionality.
Furnace Maintenance: Regular tune-ups prevent costly repairs, improve your system’s energy efficiency, and keep it running reliably throughout the heating season. Ask about our maintenance plans for your heating and cooling system.

We’re here to help you choose the right furnace (or air conditioner!), install it properly, and maintain it for years to come.

Contact Us for Your Furnace Installation or Replacement

Now that we’ve cleared up the differences between furnace replacement vs installation, it’s time to take the next step. Whether you’re upgrading your heating system or installing one for the first time, trust Sheets Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing to guide you through the process.