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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For a new furnace in Farmington, plan on $4,500–$9,500 installed with us, written and flat-rate, sized by Manual J. Builders often sized the 1990s and 2000s originals by rule of thumb, so the new furnace can come out smaller.
Most Farmington replacements take out the furnace the builder installed in the 1990s or 2000s. Builders often sized those by rule of thumb, and a Manual J on the same house today, especially one with a finished basement and newer windows, can call for less capacity. Existing PVC venting can often stay if its diameter and length suit the new furnace's installation manual; if not, new pipe goes out the same rim joist. A condensing furnace in a finished basement usually drains to a pump, and we keep that line away from cold spots.
Out in the townships, a propane furnace gets its LP kit set up at startup. In the older houses downtown, taking the furnace off the chimney can orphan the water heater. Unhooking the old furnace from that chimney is part of what the mechanical permit inspection looks at.
Updated November 10, 2026
By efficiency: 80% AFUE roughly $4,500–$6,000; 96–98% AFUE roughly $6,500–$9,500. See the furnace replacement cost guide.
Farmington's gas utility is Minnesota Energy Resources, not CenterPoint, and it runs its own rebates for high-efficiency furnaces, boilers and thermostats, plus a heating tune-up rebate, which has to be done by a professional heating technician rather than the homeowner, with the application due within 60 days of the service. 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.
A new furnace alone rarely fixes it, because builder ductwork is usually the cause: undersized returns, long runs to the room over the garage, no balancing dampers. We measure airflow and static pressure along with the Manual J. A variable-speed blower and a two-stage burner help by running longer and gentler, and balancing dampers or an added return often do the rest. The quote separates the ductwork fixes from the equipment.
If both are 20-plus years old, usually yes. The AC coil sits on the furnace, so replacing them together lets us match the blower, coil and condenser as one system and avoid paying for coil work twice. If the AC is younger and runs on R-410A, it can stay, and we set the new blower for the existing coil. We'll price it both ways so you can compare.
Signs your furnace needs replacing
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.
Read the guideYes. How a gas furnace leaks carbon monoxide, the symptoms MDH lists, Minnesota's CO alarm law, steps to take when one sounds, and what a red tag means.
Read the guideIs an outdoor wood boiler cheaper than a gas furnace in Minnesota? Fuel math per million BTU, daily labor, smoke rules, freeze risk and backup heat.
Read the guideHeat out? AC quit? Call or send a request.