Furnace Tune-up Cost

How Much Does a Furnace Tune-up Cost?

Do-it-Yourself Maintenance: $10-$30

Professional Tune-Up: $70-$200

Regular furnace tune-ups[1] can extend the life of the furnace, cut heating costs, prevent breakdowns and limit 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 two to three years.

Typical costs:

Simple maintenance tasks (such as replacing filters or cleaning vents) can be a do-it-yourself project for $10-$30 in materials. For example, pleated-material filters[2] typically cost $4-$30 each, depending on size and thickness and whether they are sold in packs of one, two, six or 12.
A professional furnace tune-up can cost $70-$200 or more but typically is about $100-$125, depending on location and the type of furnace. For example, Horizon Services[3] in Delaware and Pennsylvania offers an $89 online special, while Seider Heating & Air Conditioning[4] in Wisconsin charges $110 for a gas furnace or gas boiler and $180 for an oil furnace. (If simple parts like a nozzle or thermo coupler need replacing, it can add $50-$150 or more to the total.)

Related articles: Programmable Thermostat, Furnace, Chimney Sweep

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; cleaning exposed surfaces; and oiling the motor and other moving parts (newer ones may be self-lubricating). The Family Handyman Magazine gives furnace maintenance instructions[5] , estimating the project is moderately difficult and takes less than three hours for a natural gas or propane furnace. Family Handyman suggests a professional tune-up should be done at least every three years, and warns that oil furnace combustion chambers should only be maintained 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. DIYNetwork.com illustrates the typical steps included in a professional furnace tune-up[6] .
The commonwealth of Massachusetts lists what should be included in an annual fuel oil burner cleanout. A complete professional tune-up of an oil-fired furnace typically takes one to two hours, according to the National Oilheat Research Alliance[7] .

Additional costs:

Some companies use tune-ups to spot needed (and sometimes unnecessary) repairs; make sure that any additional work will not be performed automatically only if the homeowner approves. Routine furnace repairs might cost $100-$600 but average about $300-$400. However, complex furnace repairs can cost $1,000-$2,500 or more, depending on the type of problem and the parts needed.

Discounts:

Since tune-ups can improve efficiency, some utility companies offer a furnace tune-up rebate of $20-$50. For example, City Utilities[8] in Missouri offers a $30 rebate for a furnace tune-up; and DTE Energy[9] in Michigan offers a $50 rebate for a diagnostic tune-up on a forced air furnace or boiler, but the work must meet specific standards and be done by a participating contractor (DTE Energy provides a list).

Shopping for a furnace tune-up:

Many companies provide a written checklist of the work being done. Ask about training, and whether the technicians are certified by the National Oilheat Research Association[10] or North American Technician Excellence Inc.[11]
ThisOldHouse.com provides tips for selecting a furnace maintenance company[12] . Referrals are available through North American Technician Excellence Inc[13] and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America[14] .
Check that the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed.

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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Oil burner vacuum and tune up

Amount: $462.00

Posted by: Kathryn Pannelli in Long Island, NY.

Posted: January 12th, 2022 02:01PM

Is this reasonable?$150.00 was a diagnostic fee.We called and told them the problem!

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