“How much will it cost to install a furnace in my attic?” is a question residential builders and homeowners ask every winter. The answer depends on dozens of variables—equipment size, code requirements, attic access, and regional labor rates. In this in-depth guide, CountBricks explains every cost driver and shows you how our AI-powered estimating platform delivers pinpoint accuracy in minutes.
• Frees up closet or garage space for storage or living areas
• Shorter air-distribution runs in many ranch and split-level homes
• Easier tie-in to existing roof vents for combustion air
• Keeps noisy equipment away from living spaces
Equipment price
High-efficiency gas furnaces between 60 000–100 000 BTU typically run $2 000–$4 500. Variable-speed blowers and sealed-combustion models sit at the upper end.
Attic readiness
Before a unit goes in, the framing and floor must support 200–400 lbs. Add $600–$1 200 for a simple platform, lighting, and code-mandated service outlet.
Insulation & air sealing
A furnace in an unconditioned attic should be wrapped with R-8 duct insulation and R-13 jacket. Budget $400–$800 for materials and labor.
Duct modifications
Tying new supply trunks into existing distribution ranges $15–$25 per linear foot. Complete redesigns with returns often exceed $3 000.
Electrical & gas line upgrades
Expect $350–$750 for a dedicated 120 V circuit and shut-off switch plus $200–$500 for gas pipe extensions.
Permits & inspections
Local fees vary from $100 in rural counties to $650 in metro areas. CountBricks auto-populates fees based on your zip code.
Labor complexity
Tight attic hatch? Mere inches of clearance? Crews may need temporary decking and a lift, adding 15–25 % to labor totals.
1. Budget install with mid-efficiency furnace: $5 200–$6 800
2. Standard 96 % AFUE furnace with moderate duct work: $7 000–$10 500
3. Premium variable-speed 98 % AFUE plus full duct redesign: $11 000–$15 000
These ranges include demolition, disposal of the old unit, permits, startup, and homeowner training. Your exact figure can only be confirmed with a detailed takeoff—precisely what CountBricks excels at providing.
• Real-time materials pricing is pulled directly from regional supplier APIs every 60 minutes.
• Voice-to-estimate workflow lets you walk the attic while dictating measurements—no clipboard needed.
• AI blueprint takeoffs import your PDF plans, trace duct runs, and calculate static pressure requirements automatically.
• Labor costs adjust instantly using local union and open-shop wage tables stored in our cloud.
• Task libraries—pre-built by veteran HVAC estimators—ensure no line item is missed.
1. Start a new project and select “Residential HVAC – Furnace” template.
2. Speak dimensions, obstacles, and desired AFUE rating into your mobile device; CountBricks transcribes and tags each data point.
3. Upload existing floor plan or attic photo; the AI detects hatch size, joist spacing, and duct locations.
4. Review autogenerated bill of materials, labor hours, permit fees, and margin suggestions.
5. Click “Generate Quote”—CountBricks produces a branded PDF proposal and syncs it to your accounting software.
• Specify a modulating furnace instead of two-stage; efficiency stays high while price drops 8–12 %.
• Run new return ducts through closets or chase walls rather than carving plaster ceilings.
• Schedule installations during shoulder seasons when labor demand and rates dip.
• Bundle attic insulation upgrades with furnace work—combined trades reduce mobilization fees.
If your attic has limited headroom, combustible roofing, or complex zoning dampers, hire a pro. CountBricks maintains a nationwide network of licensed HVAC partners who receive project data directly from our platform, eliminating transcription errors and costly change orders.
Installing a furnace in the attic can be an elegant space-saving solution, but overlooking load calculations or code clearances can turn elegant into expensive. With CountBricks, builders and homeowners see every cost up front, adjust in real time, and sign contracts faster. Create your free account at CountBricks.com/services and turn attic square footage into cozy living space this season.
A coastal homeowner in San Diego wanted to reclaim garage space by relocating a 15-year-old furnace to the attic. Using CountBricks, the contractor completed an end-to-end estimate in under 30 minutes.
• 1 850 sq ft single-story home
• Attic access through 22” × 30” hatch
• Request for 96 % AFUE, 70 000 BTU unit
• Existing flex ducts required R-8 insulation upgrade
• 78 linear feet of new R-8 supply duct
• 42 linear feet of return duct
• Platform framing material: 2 × 8 SPF, 5 ⁄ 8” OSB deck
1. Furnace & accessories: $3 850
2. Platform & attic prep: $890
3. Duct modifications: $1 540
4. Electrical & gas extensions: $620
5. Permits & inspections: $310
6. Labor (24 hours @ $78/hr): $1 872
Total projected cost: $9 082
The homeowner accepted the digital quote within two hours of receipt. Installation finished on schedule, and the contractor reported a 14 % profit margin—exactly the figure suggested by CountBricks. Job notes synced directly to invoicing, shaving days off back-office work.
• Photograph truss webbing during estimate—CountBricks AI flags clearance conflicts automatically.
• Upload supplier SKUs; the platform swaps equivalent brands if lead times threaten deadlines.
• Use our “seasonal labor index” slider to forecast cost differences between summer and winter bids.
From California to the East Coast, contractors rely on CountBricks to model attic furnace jobs with confidence. Explore more success stories at CountBricks.com/portfolio or book a live demo at CountBricks.com/consultation.
