Furnace Tune-up Cost

How Much Does a Furnace Tune-up Cost?

Low: Do-It-Yourself Supplies Can Run $25

Medium: Professional Tune-Up Can Run $50-$150

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, regular furnace tune-ups can extend the life of the furnace, cut heating costs, limit breakdowns and repairs, and reduce the amount of smoke and other pollutants released into the atmosphere. Oil-fired furnaces should be tuned up and cleaned annually, gas systems every two years and heat pumps every 2-3 years.

Typical costs:

Some maintenance tasks (such as replacing filters or cleaning vents) can be a do-it-yourself project for less that $25 worth of materials, although replacing parts such as a filter or fan belt can bump the cost higher..
A professional furnace tune-up starts around $50 -$90 in many areas, but can run $100 -$150 for quality work in higher-priced regions. Replacement parts and labor for needed repairs are not usually included in the tune-up price.

What should be included:

Do-it-yourself maintenance can include checking the thermostat to be sure it's working correctly; checking and replacing the filter; and oiling the motor and other moving parts (newer ones may be self-lubricating). ReadersDigest.com gives instructions, saying a do-it-yourself tune-up of a gas furnace takes about three hours. However, the site also suggests having a professional tune-up done every three years, and warns that oil furnace combustion chambers should only be worked on by professionals.
A professional furnace tune-up should include checking and cleaning all the major parts of the furnace; adjusting the pilot and burner if needed; inspecting and replacing filters if needed; lubricating all motors (although newer models may be self-lubricating); and performing a combustion efficiency test. San Diego Gas and Electric provides an overview for gas furnace and boiler tune-ups, the National Oilheat Research Alliance provides similar information for oil-fired furnaces and ThisOldHouse.com provides a slide show of the steps that should be included.

Additional costs:

Some companies use tune-ups to spot needed (and sometimes not-needed) repairs; make sure that any additional work will not be done automatically, but only if you approve the extra cost.

Discounts:

Since tune-ups can improve efficiency, some utility companies offer a furnace tune-up rebate, usually around $20 -$40; check with you local power company.

Shopping for a furnace tune-up:

Ask if the company provides a written checklist of the work being done. Ask about training, and whether the technicians are certified by the National Oilheat Research Association or North American Technician Excellence Inc.
ThisOldHouse.com provides tips for selecting a furnace maintenance company. Referrals are available through North American Technician Excellence Inc. and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Check that the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state. See if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

Article updated April 2009

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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Furnace Fan Replacement

Amount: $400.00

Posted by: Buckeyezan in Cleveland, OH.

Posted: March 29th, 2011 02:03PM

My mom just paid $400.00 to have a fan replaced on her Lennox furnace. That's all the service tech. did. He did not change the filter.

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