Furnace replacement cost in Barrie (2026)

The short answer

Published 2026 Ontario price guides put a typical installed gas furnace replacement at about $4,500 to $9,500 before HST, for a standard swap where the existing ducts, venting, and gas line can be reused. Premium modulating furnaces and complicated installs can go past $10,000. Barrie prices are broadly in line with the rest of central Ontario.

These are typical ranges, not quotes. The only way to get your price is to have a contractor look at your home.

Typical ranges by furnace type

• Single-stage high-efficiency: often about $4,000 to $5,500 installed. Simple and reliable, but it runs at full power every time it turns on.
• Two-stage: often about $5,000 to $7,500. Runs on low most of the time, which is quieter and gives more even heat.
• Modulating with a variable-speed blower: often about $6,500 to $10,000 or more. The most even heat and usually the highest efficiency.

Propane furnaces often cost a bit more, about $6,000 to $8,000 in one 2026 guide, and oil furnace replacements about $5,500 to $8,500.

What pushes the price up

• Venting changes. Moving from an old mid-efficiency furnace that vents up a chimney to a high-efficiency one with plastic venting through the wall.
• Duct changes at the furnace. One guide puts these at roughly $300 to $1,500.
• Replacing the air conditioner at the same time. Often cheaper than doing them separately. A furnace and central air together run roughly $6,500 to $12,500.
• An emergency in January. When the furnace dies on a cold night, you have less time to compare. Some guides say emergency replacements cost noticeably more than planned ones.
• Access. Tight crawl spaces, attics, or finished basements take more labour.

Repair or replace?

Many Ontario guides put the life of a gas furnace at about 15 to 20 years. A reasonable rule of thumb: if the furnace is in that range and needs a major part, such as an inducer motor or control board, get a replacement price too and compare. If a technician finds a cracked heat exchanger, treat it as a safety issue and follow their advice.

Do you need a permit in Barrie?

The City of Barrie’s permit guide says a furnace replacement with the same fuel type, efficiency, and capacity does not need a building permit, while a new heating or ventilation system does. Gas work must be done by a contractor registered with the TSSA. Other towns have their own rules, so check locally if you are outside Barrie.

Rebates (checked November 2026)

• There is no Ontario rebate for a gas furnace on its own.
• If you add a qualifying cold-climate heat pump, the Home Renovation Savings program offers $500 per ton, up to $2,000, in Enbridge gas-heated homes, and $1,250 per ton, up to $7,500, in homes heated with electricity, oil, propane, or wood. Pre-approval is required.
• The federal National Heat Pump Rebate is expected to open in early 2027. Eligible heat pump installs from November 1, 2026 may qualify: $2,000 for most households, or up to $10,000 for lower- to median-income households.

If you are replacing a furnace anyway, it is worth asking for a heat pump price as well. Our heat pump vs furnace guide explains the choice.

How to compare quotes

• Make sure each quote is for the same size and type of furnace, and lists the model number.
• Check what is included: removal of the old unit, venting, duct changes, thermostat, permit, and HST.
• Ask about the parts warranty and the labour warranty, and who registers the warranty.
• Be careful with rental and financing offers. Read the full term, the buyout price, and any cancellation fees before you sign.
• Ontario banned unsolicited door-to-door sales of furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters in 2018. A contractor you invited is fine. A stranger at the door selling a furnace is a red flag.

Get one local quote

If you are in Barrie or nearby, you can request a free quote from one local HVAC contractor. Elsewhere, see Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, or Midland.

Ranges are from published 2026 Ontario contractor and price-guide pages, in Canadian dollars and before HST. Programs and prices change; confirm before you sign.