How Much Does a New Furnace Cost in Wichita?

Replacing a gas furnace in Wichita typically costs between $3,500 and $8,500 installed — a typical market range, not a quote. Four factors set the price: the furnace's efficiency (its AFUE rating), its staging (single-stage, two-stage, or modulating), the heating capacity your home needs, and installation details like venting, ductwork transitions, and the City of Wichita mechanical permit. Higher-efficiency furnaces cost more up front but burn less gas through every Kansas winter.

What determines the price of a new furnace?

A furnace's price is set by efficiency, staging, size, and installation scope. The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating tells you what share of every gas dollar becomes heat in your home: an 80% AFUE furnace sends 20 cents of every dollar up the flue, while a 96% model wastes only 4 cents. Staging determines comfort — a single-stage furnace is either fully on or fully off, while two-stage and modulating furnaces run longer, quieter, gentler cycles that hold a steadier temperature. Finally, capacity (measured in BTUs) must match your home's actual heat loss, which is why a proper furnace installation in Wichita starts with a load calculation, not a catalog.

How do furnace types compare on price and comfort?

Here is how the three common furnace tiers compare in the Wichita market. These are typical installed ranges for a straightforward replacement — your firm number comes from an in-home quote.

• 80% single-stage — Typical installed range (Wichita market): $3,500 – $5,500 — AFUE: 80% — Best for: Budget-focused replacements; homes with existing metal-flue venting

• 96% two-stage — Typical installed range (Wichita market): $5,000 – $7,500 — AFUE: 95 – 96% — Best for: The value sweet spot for most Wichita homes — lower gas bills, quieter comfort

• Modulating variable-speed — Typical installed range (Wichita market): $6,500 – $8,500+ — AFUE: 97 – 98.5% — Best for: Maximum comfort and efficiency; homes you plan to stay in long-term

What's included in a professional furnace installation in Wichita?

A complete installation includes far more than the equipment box. A qualified contractor performs a load calculation to size the furnace, pulls the required City of Wichita mechanical permit and schedules the inspection, adapts the venting (high-efficiency furnaces vent in PVC through a sidewall, not the old chimney), connects and leak-tests the gas line, seals the ductwork transitions, sets up the thermostat, commissions the system to manufacturer specs, and hauls away the old furnace. If a bid seems dramatically cheaper than the others, ask which of those steps it skips.

Will a high-efficiency furnace pay for itself in Kansas?

Often, yes — the Wichita heating season runs roughly October through April, so the furnace is your home's biggest gas user. Moving from an old 80% furnace to a 96% model means about 16 cents more of every heating dollar stays in the house as heat. The longer you plan to stay in the home and the more you currently spend on winter gas bills, the faster the efficiency premium pays back. Our comparison of a heat pump versus a gas furnace in Kansas covers the all-electric alternative, which can qualify for Evergy rebate support.

How do Wichita homeowners pay for a new furnace?

Kelley & Dawson Service offers financing through the Wells Fargo Home Projects program, with approved credit, so a mid-winter furnace failure doesn't have to mean draining savings. See how it works on our financing page or in our guide to HVAC financing in Wichita. It's also worth asking about current promotions and utility rebate support when you get your quote.

When is repair smarter than replacement?

If your furnace is under 12 years old and the fix is modest — an igniter, a flame sensor, a pressure switch — repair is usually the better economics. Warning signs that point toward replacement instead: repeated repair calls, a cracked heat exchanger, or a furnace that short-cycles constantly despite service. We'll give you both numbers honestly and let you decide — that's been the Kelley & Dawson way since 1966.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a furnace installation take?

Most straightforward replacements are done in one day. Jobs that add new venting, ductwork modifications, or a matching AC or coil replacement can take longer — your quote will say so up front.

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

Yes. The City of Wichita requires a mechanical permit for furnace replacement, and surrounding cities have their own requirements. A licensed contractor pulls the permit and arranges the inspection as part of the job — if a bidder suggests skipping it, that's a red flag.

What size furnace does my home need?

Sizing comes from a heat-loss (Manual J) calculation based on your home's square footage, insulation, windows, and air leakage — not a rule of thumb. An oversized furnace short-cycles and wears out early; an undersized one can't keep up on subzero Kansas nights.

Is a 96% furnace worth it over an 80% model?

Usually, if you plan to stay in the home more than a few years. The 96% furnace saves roughly 16% on gas used for heating and runs more comfortable, quieter cycles. In a home you're selling soon, an 80% replacement may pencil out better.

Can I replace the furnace and keep my existing air conditioner?

Often yes, if the AC is in good shape and the new furnace's blower is compatible with the coil. If your AC is also near the end of its life, replacing both at once usually costs less than two separate installations.

Does Kelley & Dawson offer furnace financing?

Yes — financing is available through the Wells Fargo Home Projects program, with approved credit. Ask when you schedule your free replacement quote.

Ready for a firm number instead of a range? Kelley & Dawson Service has installed furnaces for Wichita families since 1966 — family-owned, background-checked technicians, and honest recommendations either way. Call (316) 263-7201 or request your free furnace replacement quote.