Furnace Repair
FURNACE INSTALLATION: THE BEST CHOICES
✓ Furnace Installation & Replacement
All offer furnaces in a range of capacities and efficiencies. Manufacturers generally deliver on those specifications. All brands possess basically similar features. The most important steps in selecting a furnace are to ensure that the unit’s specifications meet your expectations.
Efficiency Counts
Calculating a furnace’s energy costs requires considering both the gas it burns and the electricity it consumes to run its blowers and controls.
How efficiently a furnace convert’s gas into heating energy is reflected in its (AFUE) annual fuel utilization efficiency rating, which is measured as a percentage. The higher that percentage, the more heat the furnace can provide.
Today, the most efficient models have an AFUE of about 96% and the lowest efficiency allowed by law for new gas furnaces is 78%.
How big a furnace?
When it comes to furnaces, size matters. A small furnace will not keep the house comfortable during extreme cold weather. A large furnace will cycle on and off more often. That causes wear and tear on its components, wastes energy, and may cause uncomfortable temperature. Also, upgrading to a larger furnace may require the installation of bigger ducts to accommodate the increased airflow. In wrong size ducts the airflow can be noisy.
What makes a furnace better?
Variable speed blowers. They can deliver air more slowly (and more quietly) when less heat is needed. Heat can then be delivered more continuously, with fewer drafts or uncomfortable changes in temperature and airflow.
Ignition systems. Few furnaces have a pilot light, a flame that burns continuously, awaiting the next command to ignite the burners. More common are furnaces with direct spark or hot-surface ignition. That increases efficiency and is often reflected in the furnaces’ high AFUE rating. (AFUE stands for annual fuel-utilization efficiency.)
Dual heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are the components that draw heat from the burned gas. To draw more heat from the air they burn, energy-efficient furnaces supplement the primary exchanger with a second exchanger.
Venting and repairs
When you are purchasing a new furnace, you might also need to consider your home’s vents and chimneys. Replacing a low-efficiency furnace with a 90% or more efficiency requires installing a vent that meets the special needs of a high-efficiency furnace. If other appliances (water heater) share a vent or chimney with the old furnace, they also may need new or modified venting.
FAQ
How much does a new furnace cost in Madison Heights in 2026?
The average cost for a full furnace replacement in Michigan ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 including labor. Basic natural gas units typically start around $3,800, while high-efficiency modulating models can exceed $10,200.
Do I need a permit to replace my furnace in Madison Heights?
Yes. Madison Heights requires a Mechanical Permit for all furnace replacements. Licensed mechanical contractors typically pull these permits on your behalf and must schedule a final inspection to ensure the system meets safety codes.
When is the best time of year to schedule an installation?
The “shoulder seasons” of spring (March–May) and early fall (September–October) are ideal. Demand is lower, making it easier to secure preferred installers and potentially saving you 10–15% through off-season promotions.
What rebates or incentives are available for Madison Heights residents?
Homeowners may qualify for local utility rebates from DTE Energy (often ranging from $75 for tune-ups to several hundred for high-efficiency upgrades) or Consumers Energy. Additionally, federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act can cover up to 30% of the cost for eligible high-efficiency systems.
How long does a typical furnace installation take?
A standard professional installation usually takes 4 to 8 hours. More complex jobs, such as switching fuel types or repairing extensive ductwork, may require additional time.
Should I repair or replace my aging furnace?
If your furnace is over 15 years old or requires a repair that costs more than 50% of its total value, replacement is usually recommended. New 2026 high-efficiency models (96%+ AFUE) can reduce annual energy waste significantly compared to older 80% AFUE models.
What sizing requirements should I be aware of?
Installers must perform a Manual J load calculation to ensure the furnace is sized correctly for your home’s square footage and insulation. In Michigan, heating systems must be capable of maintaining an interior temperature of 68°F during peak winter design conditions