With the average cost of a residential furnace replacement hovering around $4,000, it's important to make sure all your most pressing questions are answered before you sign off on a contract with your HVAC company. Not sure what needs to be addressed before you commit to a new furnace? Keep these key questions in mind to make sure you're covering all your bases.

How Much More Energy-Efficient Is the New Furnace?

While the up-front costs associated with having a new furnace installed may give you sticker shock, the reality is that upgrading to a newer and more energy-efficient furnace can help to offset some of those expenses. Don't hesitate to ask your HVAC technician for a detailed energy efficiency comparison between your new unit and the existing one. Any experienced HVAC professional should be able to discuss these details with you and may even be able to estimate how much money you'll save on your heating bills with the new unit installed.

Does the Installation Require Any Changes to the Home's Ductwork?

If your existing furnace is old, there's a good chance that your home's ductwork may also need to be tweaked or upgraded to facilitate the best possible airflow and energy efficiency with your new furnace. Be sure to find out ahead of time what changes, if any, need to be made to your ductwork and how they may affect the appearance or function of your home. You'll also want to make sure that any ductwork additions or changes are included in the quoted price in your contract.

Do You Qualify For Any Special Discounts or Rebates?

Of course, you don't want to spend more than you need to on a new furnace, so don't forget to ask about special rebates or other discounts for which you may qualify. Even if your HVAC technician isn't aware of any, it's never a bad idea to do a quick online search for your specific furnace make/model. Sometimes, manufacturers may offer direct rebates to consumers that could save you a pretty penny on your new unit.

Does the Warranty Come With Labor Coverage?

Your new furnace and its parts should be covered under a manufacturer's warranty, but you'll want to make sure that your HVAC team will stand behind their work as well. If you need to make a warranty claim to replace a defective part, be sure that you won't have to pay for the additional labor required.

Contact a local HVAC contractor to learn more about furnace replacement.