Most BC homeowners pay between $4,000 and $8,000 to replace a furnace, including the unit, installation, and removal of the old system. Where you land in that range depends mostly on the type of furnace, its efficiency, and how much work your home needs beyond a straight swap.
If you’re planning a replacement before winter, this guide breaks down furnace replacement cost in BC by furnace type, explains what drives the price, and covers the savings available right now. For a quote on your home, our furnace installation team in Duncan serves homeowners from Shawnigan Lake to Nanaimo.
Furnace Replacement Cost in BC by Furnace Type
These are typical installed prices across BC in 2026, before promotions or rebates:
| Furnace type | Typical installed cost |
| Standard high efficiency gas furnace (single stage) | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| Two stage or variable speed gas furnace | $6,000 to $8,000 |
| Premium modulating gas furnace | $7,500 to $10,000+ |
| Propane furnace | $4,500 to $8,000 |
| Oil furnace | $4,000 to $8,000 |
| Electric furnace | $3,000 to $6,000 |
These ranges are a starting point, not a quote. Two homes with the same furnace can land thousands of dollars apart once venting, ductwork, and access are factored in.
What Affects New Furnace Cost
Efficiency and staging. A single stage furnace runs at full output every time it turns on. Two stage and modulating furnaces adjust their output to match demand, which means steadier temperatures, quieter operation, and lower gas use. They also cost more upfront.
Furnace size. A correctly sized furnace is based on a heat load calculation for your home, not just the size of the old unit. Oversized and undersized furnaces both waste money over time.
Venting and condensate. High efficiency furnaces vent through PVC pipe and need a condensate drain. If you’re replacing an older furnace that vented through a chimney, new venting adds to the job.
Ductwork condition. Leaky or poorly sized ducts can hold back even a brand new furnace. Minor repairs are common. Major duct changes push the price up.
Access and location. A furnace in an open basement is a simpler job than one in a tight crawlspace or attic.
Timing. Planned replacements are usually smoother and less stressful than emergency swaps in the middle of a cold snap, when you’re choosing from whatever is available that day.
What a Proper Quote Should Include
When you compare quotes, make sure each one covers the same scope. A complete furnace replacement quote should include:
- The furnace itself, with model and efficiency rating
- Removal and disposal of the old unit
- Gas, venting, electrical, and condensate connections
- Any ductwork transitions needed to fit the new unit
- Permits where required
- Startup, safety testing, and commissioning
- Thermostat setup
- Manufacturer warranty registration
A low quote that leaves out venting or permits often ends up costing more once the work starts. Our furnace services team walks you through every line before any work begins.
Current Savings on a Furnace Replacement
Westisle’s $250 Promotion
Westisle is currently offering $250 off new heating system installations and replacements. Conditions apply, so give us a call or check our current promotions for the details.
FortisBC Connect to Gas Rebate
FortisBC no longer offers rebates on a standard replacement of an existing gas furnace. Those rebates ended after 2023 following a change in BC regulations.
There is still a rebate for homes switching to natural gas from oil or propane. Through the FortisBC Connect to Gas program, eligible homeowners can receive $2,000 for an ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace, plus a $1,000 bonus. To get the bonus, you need a pre-qualification code before December 31, 2026 and the installation completed by March 31, 2027. You must also be a new FortisBC gas customer, with gas service requested within six months before the upgrade.
If you’re heating with oil or propane and gas is available on your street, this is a meaningful saving with a firm deadline.
Financing
If you’d rather spread the cost out, Westisle offers financing options for qualified customers.
Repair or Replace?
Not every furnace problem means it’s time for a new one. Replacement usually makes more sense when:
- The furnace is 15 years or older
- You’ve needed several repairs in the last couple of years
- Your heating bills are rising without a change in how you use the house
- Some rooms never get warm enough
- A single repair would cost close to half the price of a new furnace
If your furnace is younger and the issue is isolated, a repair is often the smarter call. Our furnace repair team will tell you honestly which way to go.
Protecting Your New Furnace
A new furnace typically lasts 15 to 20 years or more with proper care. Two simple habits make the biggest difference: changing the filter every one to three months, and booking an annual tune up before the heating season. Our HVAC maintenance visits keep efficiency high and catch small issues early, which also helps protect your manufacturer warranty.
Planning Your Budget With Confidence
Furnace replacement cost in BC usually falls between $4,000 and $8,000, with premium systems and complex installs running higher. The type of furnace you choose, the condition of your venting and ducts, and the savings you qualify for all shape the final number.
Westisle Heating & Cooling has been installing furnaces across the Cowichan Valley since 1989. We’ll size the system properly, give you a clear written quote, and apply any promotions or rebates you qualify for.
Contact our team to book a furnace replacement assessment before the cold weather sets in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average furnace replacement cost in BC?
Most BC homeowners pay between $4,000 and $8,000 for a fully installed furnace. Premium modulating furnaces and installations needing new venting or ductwork can cost $10,000 or more.
How much does a new furnace cost compared to installation?
The furnace itself usually makes up about half to three quarters of the total. The rest covers labour, venting, connections, permits, and removal of the old unit.
Are there FortisBC rebates for replacing a gas furnace?
Not for a standard replacement of an existing gas furnace. FortisBC’s current furnace rebate applies to homes switching from oil or propane to natural gas through the Connect to Gas program.
How long does a furnace replacement take?
Most residential replacements are completed in a single day. Jobs that need new venting or ductwork changes can take longer.
Is a two stage furnace worth the extra cost?
For many homes, yes. Two stage furnaces run more quietly, heat more evenly, and use less gas than single stage models. Whether the extra cost pays off depends on your home’s size and how much you heat it.
When is the best time to replace a furnace?
Before it fails, and ideally before winter. Planning ahead gives you time to compare options and book a convenient install date rather than replacing in a rush during a cold snap.
