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Buying Guides

How Much Does a New Furnace Cost in Ontario? (2026 Full Breakdown)

EFEcoFrost TeamJanuary 24, 20269 min read

A new furnace is one of the larger purchases most Ontario homeowners make. But the total cost is not just the equipment - it includes installation labour, permit fees, gas line work if needed, and disposal of the old unit. This guide breaks down every component of the cost and shows how Ontario rebates can reduce your out-of-pocket expense.

New Furnace Cost in Ontario: Quick Summary

Furnace TypeEfficiencyInstalled Price RangeBest For
Single-stage gas furnace80% AFUE$2,800 - $4,200Budget-conscious replacement; cottages or rentals
Two-stage gas furnace96% AFUE$3,800 - $5,500Most GTA detached homes; best value for efficiency
Variable-speed modulating furnace98% AFUE$5,500 - $8,000Larger homes; maximum comfort and lowest gas bills
Hybrid heat pump systemUp to 300% COP$7,500 - $13,000Heat pump + furnace; up to $7,500 in rebates

What Is Included in the Installed Price?

When EcoFrost provides a furnace installation quote, the price includes everything needed for a complete, code-compliant installation:

  • Equipment (furnace unit)
  • Installation labour (typically 4-6 hours)
  • Removal and disposal of the old furnace
  • New PVC flue piping (high-efficiency furnaces require a sealed combustion vent, not the old metal chimney flue)
  • Condensate drain line (96%+ AFUE furnaces produce condensation)
  • City or municipal permit and TSSA inspection
  • Startup, commissioning, and thermostat calibration
Some contractors advertise low "equipment only" prices that do not include permits, new venting, or disposal. Always confirm what is included before comparing quotes. A compliant installation in Ontario requires a permit and TSSA inspection for all gas appliances - these are not optional.

Cost Breakdown by Component

ComponentTypical Cost Range
Furnace equipment (80% AFUE)$1,000 - $1,800
Furnace equipment (96% AFUE two-stage)$1,600 - $2,800
Furnace equipment (98% AFUE modulating)$2,500 - $4,500
Installation labour$800 - $1,500
New PVC exhaust and intake venting$200 - $500
Condensate drain (if not existing)$100 - $250
Permit and TSSA inspection$150 - $350
Thermostat upgrade (optional)$150 - $450
Old furnace disposalIncluded or $75 - $150

Furnace Rebates Available in Ontario (2026)

Ontario homeowners replacing an older furnace can access rebates that reduce the total cost significantly:

  • Enbridge HER+ (closed Dec 31 2025): up to $1,000 for gas furnaces with 97%+ AFUE. Requires a pre and post-installation EnerGuide evaluation for full amounts. Partial rebates available without evaluation for qualifying equipment.
  • Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program: available for lower-income households replacing older heating equipment. Rebate amounts vary by income bracket and equipment type.
  • Hybrid heat pump upgrade: combining a new gas furnace with an air-source heat pump qualifies for up to $7,500 in combined rebates (Enbridge + Canada Greener Homes). This is currently the best rebate opportunity for Ontario homeowners.
  • Manufacturer rebates: Lennox, Carrier, and Goodman periodically offer rebates of $200-$500 on specific models. EcoFrost notifies clients of active manufacturer promotions at time of quote.

What Factors Affect the Final Price?

1

Home Size and Heating Load

A properly sized furnace requires a Manual J heat load calculation. Larger homes need more BTU output, which typically means larger and more expensive equipment. An oversized furnace wastes money and short cycles; an undersized furnace cannot heat the home adequately.

2

Existing Venting Configuration

High-efficiency (96%+ AFUE) furnaces cannot use the existing metal chimney flue from a mid-efficiency unit. New PVC exhaust and intake pipes must be run to the exterior. Homes with difficult vent runs (long distances, multiple bends) have higher installation costs.

3

Gas Line Work

If upgrading from electric heat or if the existing gas line is undersized for a higher-BTU unit, a plumber or gas fitter must upgrade the gas line. This adds $200-$600 to the project.

4

Furnace Brand and Warranty

EcoFrost is an authorized Lennox dealer and recommends Lennox for Ontario climates. Lennox, Carrier, and Trane are premium-tier brands with better warranty support and longer parts availability. Goodman and Amana offer lower equipment costs with shorter parts pipelines.

5

Adding a Humidifier or Air Cleaner

Many homeowners upgrade to a whole-home bypass humidifier ($400-$800 installed) or HEPA-type air cleaner ($600-$1,200 installed) at furnace replacement time. This is the most cost-effective time to add these accessories since the system is already open.

How to Get an Accurate Furnace Quote in Ontario

An accurate quote requires an in-home visit to measure your home, assess your existing ductwork, and identify any code upgrades required. Avoid contractors who quote furnaces over the phone without seeing your home - the final invoice almost always comes in higher than the phone estimate.

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?Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best furnace brand for Ontario?

Lennox, Carrier, and Trane are consistently top-rated for Ontario climates. EcoFrost is an authorized Lennox dealer and recommends Lennox for its cold-weather performance, warranty support, and communicating thermostat integration. Goodman and Amana offer lower upfront costs and are a solid choice for rental properties or budget replacements.

How long does furnace installation take?

A standard furnace replacement takes 4-6 hours for our technicians. This includes removal of the old unit, new equipment installation, new venting, condensate drain, permit filing, and a full test run. We complete most installations in a single day and leave the home warm before we leave.

Can I get financing for a new furnace in Ontario?

Yes. EcoFrost partners with Financeit to offer 0% financing for the first 6 months on a new furnace. After the 6-month promotional period, Financeit's standard rate applies and the term can extend up to 60 months total. Many clients combine financing with rebates to minimize their upfront cost. Ask about current promotions when you book your estimate.

Do I need a permit to replace a furnace in Ontario?

Yes. All gas furnace installations in Ontario require a permit from your municipality and a TSSA inspection. This is not optional and is required for your homeowner insurance to remain valid. EcoFrost handles all permits and inspections as part of every installation.

Is an 80% or 96% AFUE furnace worth the upgrade?

For most GTA detached homes, a 96% AFUE two-stage furnace pays back the price premium in 4-7 years through lower gas bills, then saves money every year after. Homes spending $1,800+ per year on gas heating will see the fastest payback. For smaller homes or cottages with short heating seasons, an 80% unit may be more cost-effective.

What is the best furnace for Ontario winters?

For Ontario winters, a high-efficiency gas furnace rated 96% to 99% AFUE delivers the most heat for the lowest fuel cost. Two-stage and modulating models, such as the Lennox SLP99V, hold a steady temperature on the coldest days and run quietly. EcoFrost is an authorized Lennox dealer and sizes every furnace to your home, so it is not undersized for a deep freeze or oversized and short-cycling.

Are there grants or rebates for a new furnace in Ontario in 2026?

Standalone high-efficiency furnace rebates are limited in 2026. The Enbridge HER+ furnace rebate closed December 31, 2025, and the current Home Renovation Savings Program targets heat pumps rather than furnaces. The two best ways to save are 0% financing for the first 6 months through Financeit, and, if you add or switch to a heat pump, the Home Renovation Savings rebate of up to $7,500 for an air-source or $12,000 for a geothermal system. EcoFrost handles the rebate paperwork for you.

Can I install my own furnace in Ontario?

No. In Ontario, gas furnace installation must be done by a TSSA-licensed G2 or G1 gas technician, and it requires a municipal permit and a TSSA inspection. Installing your own gas furnace is illegal, creates a serious carbon monoxide risk, voids the manufacturer warranty, and can void your home insurance, and it will not pass inspection. EcoFrost technicians are TSSA-licensed and handle the permit, installation, and inspection as one flat-rate job.

How many square feet will an 80,000 BTU gas furnace heat?

An 80,000 BTU furnace heats roughly 1,800 to 2,300 square feet in an average GTA home with typical insulation, using the standard guide of 35 to 45 BTU per square foot. In a newer, well-insulated home that needs only 25 to 35 BTU per square foot, the same furnace can comfortably heat up to about 3,000 square feet. Ratings are based on input BTU, so a 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU furnace delivers about 76,800 BTU of usable heat. A Manual J load calculation confirms the right size for your specific home.

How much should labour cost to install a furnace?

EcoFrost installs furnaces on a single flat-rate price that already includes labour, the permit, removal and disposal of the old unit, and startup, so you are never billed by the hour and there are no surprise labour add-ons at the end. A standard furnace replacement is a 4 to 6 hour, single-day job. Your full installed price, typically $2,800 to $8,000 depending on size, efficiency, and brand, is confirmed in writing after a free in-home assessment before any work begins.
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