96% vs 98% AFUE Furnace: Worth the Upgrade in Minnesota?
A 98% AFUE furnace saves only about 2% more gas than a 96% model. Our condensing furnaces run $6,500–$9,500 installed. See what the extra buys.
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Furnace Replacement in Elk River, MN
Our installed price for a new furnace in Elk River is $4,500–$9,500, sized by a Manual J and quoted in writing at a flat rate. Homes beyond the gas mains get propane furnaces set up with the manufacturer's LP kit.
Furnace replacements in Elk River homes
Elk River furnace replacements start with the fuel. In town, CenterPoint Energy gas feeds most homes. On acreage, the propane furnace needs its conversion kit installed and the pressure set, and your propane supplier handles the tank and regulator. Because propane usually costs more per unit of heat, a 96% furnace earns back its extra cost sooner out there.
The house decides the rest. Older homes downtown and near Lake Orono often vent into aging chimneys, so moving to PVC can leave the water heater needing a liner. The 1970s–90s ramblers and split-levels usually have an easy side-wall route through the rim joist, while 2000s homes may already have PVC that can be reused if the size and length suit the new furnace. On open rural lots, terminations go on the side least exposed to drifting snow. A mechanical permit from the city is normally required for the swap.
Updated November 10, 2026
What affects the price of a new furnace in Elk River?
By efficiency: 80% AFUE roughly $4,500–$6,000; 96–98% AFUE roughly $6,500–$9,500. See the furnace replacement cost guide.
Are there rebates for a new furnace in Elk River?
Gas furnace and boiler rebates come from CenterPoint Energy, which lets you use the dealer of your choice. Ask us which rebates apply when we quote. Rebate programs change every year, so check the utility's current terms before you buy.
Our guides: Xcel and CenterPoint rebates, heat pump rebates.
Furnace replacement in Elk River: questions
Does it matter whether our Elk River electric comes from ERMU or Connexus when we replace a furnace?
For the furnace itself, not much. The gas-side rebate comes from CenterPoint Energy, or there isn't one if you're on propane. The electric utility matters if you add a heat pump for dual fuel, since Elk River Municipal Utilities and Connexus Energy run separate programs with their own rules. Check the name on your electric bill and read that program's rules before choosing equipment.
Is a variable-speed blower worth it on a new furnace in Elk River?
Usually, especially if you run the fan continuously for air cleaning or to even out a split-level. A variable-speed (ECM) blower draws much less electricity at low speed than the older PSC motors most 1980s and 90s furnaces used, and it runs quieter. The savings depend on your electric rate from ERMU or Connexus and how many hours the fan runs, so we figure them from your bill.
More in Elk River
Signs your furnace needs replacing
- Furnace repair in Elk River
- AC repair in Elk River
- AC replacement in Elk River
- All HVAC service in Elk River
Furnace replacement near Elk River
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Brands we install and service
Guides on furnace replacement
Furnace Limit Switch Tripping? What to Check First
Why a furnace high-limit switch keeps tripping, a symptom-to-cause table, the checks to do yourself, the order a technician follows, and what the fix costs.
Read the guideFurnace Won't Ignite: Find Where the Startup Stops
Furnace clicking but not lighting? Follow a technician's startup sequence, from power and inducer to igniter, gas and flame sensor, then call 612-429-3465.
Read the guideContact Us
Heat out? AC quit? Call or send a request.