Gas furnace replacement cost in Grand Rapids, MI
Installed, 80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency
A typical furnace (80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency) costs about $4,850 installed in the Grand Rapids area, about the same as the national figure, because HVAC technicians here earn a median $29 an hour against $29 nationally.
Prices by size in Grand Rapids
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,650 | $4,100 | $5,400 | $4,100 |
| 60,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,350 | $4,750 | $5,750 | $4,750 |
| 80,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,750 | $4,050 | $5,000 | $4,050 |
| 80,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,450 | $4,850 | $5,900 | $4,850 |
| 100,000 BTU, 80% efficiency | $3,900 | $4,250 | $5,450 | $4,250 |
| 100,000 BTU, 95%+ efficiency | $4,550 | $4,950 | $5,950 | $4,950 |
Local labor: what HVAC technicians earn here
| Hourly wage | Grand Rapids metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $24 | $23 |
| Median | $29 | $29 |
| 75th percentile | $37 | $37 |
The Grand Rapids market
Grand Rapids' FY2027 fee schedule lists residential replacement equipment under mechanical permits: furnaces, AC units and heat pumps, and water heaters at $21 each, plus a $52 application that includes one inspection. Plumbing permits also carry a $52 application and a $21 water heater line. No city page states the requirement in words, but the fee lines make a permit the expected route. A homeowner may apply in person at the Development Center for a mechanical permit on their primary single-family residence; properties with two or more units must use a licensed contractor, who registers their State of Michigan license with the city. DOE puts Kent County in cold climate zone 5A. EIA's 2020 survey found 77% of Michigan homes heat with natural gas and 83% use a furnace.
In zone 5A a furnace failure in winter is urgent, and urgency is when people overpay. Check the age of your furnace now and get a quote before it quits. Ask for the AFUE, venting plan and coil compatibility on each bid. A high-efficiency furnace vents through plastic pipe and drains condensate. Ask where the pipe will exit the house, and make sure the spot stays clear of drifting snow.
Permits in Grand Rapids
| Permit for this job | Yes (inferred from 'Residential Replacement Equipment' fee lines; residential mechanical permit page says work under the Michigan Mechanical/Residential Code needs a permit) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Mechanical: Application (includes 1 inspection) $52.00 + furnace replacement $21.00, AC/heat pump replacement $21.00, water heater replacement $21.00. Plumbing: Application (includes 1 inspection) $52.00 + water heater $21.00. |
| Who can pull it | Homeowner of single-family primary residence (in person) or licensed contractor; 2+ unit properties must use a licensed contractor |
| Inspection | Yes (permit application fee includes 1 inspection) |
Rebates in Michigan
HEAR: open with limits. HOMES: open with limits. Source: EGLE Materials Management Division, Energy Services, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Grand Rapids
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas tankless water heater
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas furnace cost in other metros
Sources
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source (water heater permit)
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source (who can pull)
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source (notable local rule)
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source: Same homeowner/contractor rules for plumbing
- DOE Building America: Guide to Determining Climate Regions by County
- Michigan EGLE: Home Energy Rebate programs
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating fuel in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI (49-9021 HVAC mechanics and installers)
- DOE Consumer Furnaces Final Rule TSD (Sep 2023), Table 8.2.12 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (11.97 person-hours, $705 of $2,527)