How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gas Wall Heater?

Gas wall heater installation cost

Like any appliance, the unit and installation costs involved in getting a gas wall heater set up in your home will vary depending on several factors, like where you live, the type and brand you use, and the unit size. For example, a heater for an apartment won’t cost as much as one intended for a ranch-style house, which would require a larger unit.

The average cost of heater installation, including the cost of the heater itself, is between $1,000 and $2,500. When you’re thinking about getting a gas heater for your home, it’s a good idea to get at least three cost estimates from local HVAC installation companies. This way, it’ll be easier for you to compare prices and determine which unit and HVAC company best suits your needs.

Gas wall heating systems cost factors

When you’re purchasing an appliance for your home - especially one that requires installation outside of simply setting it in place and plugging it in - several factors determine the upfront cost, installation cost, and the cost to run it. Fuel consumption is one of the more obvious costs associated with operating a gas wall heater. Naturally, your heater’s fuel consumption will increase as the weather gets colder. This fluctuation can mean that the monthly cost of the fuel in your operational budget may require a price range rather than a set limit.  

Aside from fuel consumption, several less obvious factors can affect the cost of a wall-mounted heater. These include:

• Current demand: Purchasing a heater in winter will cost more than purchasing it in the summer due to increased demand for heaters.
• Taxes: Taxes are usually involved in purchasing a product or hiring a company to install a product for you.
• Utility rebates: Some utility companies or government agencies have rebate programs to encourage the installation and use of energy-efficient air conditioning and heating appliances.
• Venting: While there are some unvented varieties, a gas wall heater typically requires an exit vent to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide in your home.
• Home region and climate: The operational costs associated with your wall heater may vary depending on your location and climate.
• Permits: Your municipality may require you to obtain a permit before installing a gas wall heater since it requires a small adjustment to the building during installation. Some HVAC contractors may charge an extra fee if a permit is required.
• Structural changes: Sometimes, walls need to be reinforced to support the weight of the heater. This additional labor typically comes with an additional fee.
• Average BTU: Gas wall heaters require an average of 80,000 to 100,000 BTUs to operate, but they can go as high as 175,000 BTUs. Naturally, smaller heaters require fewer BTUs.

Gas wall heater installation labor cost

Proper installation of any type of heating system is best left to a certified HVAC technician. Not only will you benefit from their education and expertise, but you’ll also get a warranty to cover the cost of any unforeseen problems or necessary repairs if your heater requires them down the line.

The labor involved in installing a gas wall heater includes setting up the actual unit and adding integrated temperature control. If a new gas line needs to be included, then the company will also have to run a gas line to the heater and install a shut-off valve. A vent will have to be created with the unit mounted and connected to it. Once everything is in place, the HVAC technician will connect the power and the gas to the unit and test it to make sure everything is working properly.

Most HVAC installation companies charge by the hour rather than by the job. You can expect to pay between $700 and $850 to get the job done, including all necessary equipment and supplies. When natural gas is involved, you’ll need to use skilled utility workers to ensure your home’s gas line is properly connected to the heater to avoid the potential danger of a gas leak.

Gas wall heater replacement cost

If you intend to replace an existing gas wall heater, you’ll need to have the old unit removed. To do this, your HVAC technician will disconnect all power sources running to the unit, as well as the gas connection and any fittings and mounting hardware. Most HVAC companies will remove gas wall heaters of up to 200 pounds, but you can expect to pay a removal fee of between $90 and $120 in addition to the cost of installing your new unit. Disposal of the old unit and any leftover debris can cost an additional $40.

If you’re replacing an old gas wall heater with a new one, make sure to ask about the associated removal and disposal fees so that you can factor them into your project budget.

Gas heater cost estimator by brand

Consumer Reports rates the brands Rudd, Trane, and American Standard as the best brands for gas heaters. Each brand offers its own warranty plan, features, and level of efficiency to meet your needs. They also come at varying price points, so it's important to know which ones offer you the best heat source and reliability for your money. Before you choose a brand, make sure you explore the different features available, including:

Blower speed

Some gas wall heaters include a variable-speed blower which can produce less noise when less heat is required. This feature also helps reduce drafts and keeps the temperature in your home regulated and comfortable.

Variable heat output

Some newer gas wall furnaces include the ability to adjust the amount of heat your new furnace produces. This option typically offers two different heat levels to choose from.

Air filtration

A furnace with an electrostatic filter can trap dust and other particles using an electrical charge. Other models may include a HEPA filter (short for high-efficiency particular-arresting) to reduce the volume of dust that blows through your heating system. Air filtration is especially helpful if you or someone in your household suffers from asthma or allergies.

Ignition system

Older gas heaters use a pilot light to ignite the burners and keep your heat operating. Newer, more energy-efficient options offer a direct spark or hot-surface ignition method that increases efficiency and eliminates the pilot light completely.

Here is the average cost of several gas wall heaters based on the brand name (please note that your actual cost may vary):

• Payne: $650 for parts, $1,850 for parts and installation
• Goodman: $720 for parts, $1,900 for parts and installation
• Coleman: $750 for parts, $2,250 for parts and installation
• York: $800 for parts, $2,200 for parts and installation
• American Standard: $1,300 for parts, $3,600 for parts and installation
• Ruud: $1,150 for parts, $3,200 for parts and installation
• Trane: $1,300 for parts, $3,500 for parts and installation
• Lenox: $1,350 for parts, $4,100 for parts and installation

Gas wall heater efficiency

Any upgrade to your current home heating system will be more efficient thanks to new technology and updated EPA standards and guidelines. A gas wall heater should provide you with lower energy costs than a traditional electric HVAC system. The efficiency is measured using AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which measures how much heat a furnace produces per cubic foot of natural gas or propane. The higher the AFUE rating, the higher your savings. Always take the blow motor technology into consideration when determining your unit's overall efficiency, since this can help circulate warm and cold air throughout your home, requiring less power to operate the furnace throughout the day.

Gas vs electric wall heaters

Gas and electric wall heaters both have their benefits. Each type is suited to certain types of homes or certain climates.

Gas

• Suited for cold winters or colder overall climates.
• Best for small homes.
• Centralized heating, courtesy of blower technology.
• Greater installation costs but lower operational costs.

Electric

• Suited for warmer climates.
• Best for larger homes.
• Room-by-room temperature control.
• Lower installation costs but greater operational costs.

DIY or hire a pro

Most municipalities require gas wall heaters to be installed by a properly certified professional because of the inherent danger of dealing with natural gas. It’s possible for a handy person to do some of the work themselves, cutting down on the cost involved with hiring a professional. If you choose to complete some of the work before bringing in a professional, you can follow the manufacturer's instructions for measuring the pipe runs, dry installing (not connected to the gas line) the pipes, and putting the unit in position. After the work is completed, a certified professional can connect the gas and fittings and inspect your work to make sure everything is done correctly.