Furnace maintenance cost
Furnace maintenance costs $70 to $200 for a yearly tune-up and $70 to $300 for a cleaning, depending on fuel type and condition. Annual furnace maintenance plans cost $150 to $500, or about $10 to $30 a month.
Quick answer
$70 – $300tune-up or cleaning visit
A furnace tune-up or cleaning costs $70 to $300. Plans covering heating (and often cooling) cost up to about $500 a year.
Maintenance costs
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard inspection | $70 – $130 |
| Full tune-up | $130 – $200 |
| Basic cleaning | $70 – $100 |
| Deep cleaning | $150 – $300 |
| Filter replacement (by a pro) | $100 – $175 |
| Annual maintenance plan | $150 – $500 |
Cost by fuel type
| Fuel | Tune-up cost |
|---|---|
| Electric | $70 – $130 |
| Gas or propane | $80 – $170 |
| Oil | $100 – $200 |
Oil furnaces need more cleaning because burning oil leaves soot; chimney cleaning adds $150 to $375. Electric furnaces need the least maintenance.
What furnace maintenance includes
- Inspect and clean burners and the flame sensor
- Check the igniter, gas pressure and gas valve operation
- Inspect the heat exchanger and venting
- Test for carbon monoxide and check draft
- Test safety switches (limit, rollout, pressure)
- Check blower motor, belt (if any) and wheel
- Replace or clean the filter
- Check thermostat and electrical connections
Between visits
- Change the filter every 1 to 3 months in heating season.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear of storage and flammables.
- Make sure exterior intake and exhaust pipes aren't blocked by snow.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
How to get a fair quote
- Get at least three written quotes that list the brand, model number, size (tons or BTU) and efficiency rating.
- Ask whether the price includes permits, removal of the old unit, refrigerant, a new thermostat and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) instead of matching the old unit's size by default.
- Compare labor warranties (1 to 10 years) as well as the manufacturer's parts warranty, and register the equipment.
- Schedule non-urgent work in spring or fall, when contractors are less busy and more willing to discount.
Frequently asked questions
How much does furnace maintenance cost?
About $70 to $200 for a tune-up and $70 to $300 for a cleaning, or $150 to $500 a year for a plan.
How often should a furnace be serviced?
Once a year, ideally in early fall before heating season.
Does furnace maintenance include a carbon monoxide test?
A good tune-up checks combustion and tests for CO around the furnace and vent. Ask your technician to confirm.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your home, region, equipment and contractor, so get several written quotes. Heat & Air Costs is not an HVAC contractor; read our disclaimer.