According to HomeGuide, a furnace maintenance service can cost as much as $500. However, the national average is closer to $130. Meanwhile, a tune-up tends to run between $70 and $200, depending on the level of service your furnace needs and its fuel type. We’ll look at these and other factors to help budget for your next heating maintenance service.
*Contact Trilogy AC directly to determine exactly how much your furnace tune-up will cost.
How the Furnace Maintenance Cost Is Determined
Your local HVAC contractor will consider many variables when billing your furnace maintenance service. If you join a membership plan, several services may be included and extras may be discounted. Nonetheless, here are some factors that help determine the cost of service:
Type of Furnace
The fuel type your furnace uses impacts the maintenance process. Oil furnaces require cleaning and inspecting various parts, including burners, fuel lines, and the fuel oil tank. They generally cost more to service than gas or propane furnaces. Maintaining gas units typically involves checking for leaks, cleaning parts, and replacing filters. Electric furnaces cost less to maintain because their design is generally more basic.
Level of Service
Inspections vary in cost and complexity depending on the condition of your heating unit. A standard inspection is often sufficient for a relatively new model or one that’s been well cared for. On average, it costs between $70 and $130. However, a more extensive inspection may be required for an aging furnace or one with known issues. Advanced inspections typically cost a bit more.
A furnace maintenance service usually includes cleaning the unit. The amount of cleaning depends on when the heater was last serviced and also its size. The longer the process and the more disassembly required, the more a furnace cleaning can cost. However, it’s generally less than repairing the unit. Even small repairs may include a minimum service fee plus your HVAC contractor’s hourly labor charge.
Heating tune-ups also often include basic air duct checks. If your ducts are dirty or clogged, the contractor may recommend an air duct cleaning. This is a separate expense and can cost up to $1,000.
Time of Year
The cost of furnace maintenance service is typically higher in the winter. Heating contractors are usually busy and unlikely to offer discounts during the peak season.
We recommend scheduling a furnace tune-up before winter to ensure it’s in good condition and ready for the high demand. Scheduling maintenance after winter is also an option, especially if it’s been an especially cold season and your furnace was used more frequently than usual.
That being said, an HVAC company may offer a discount for furnace maintenance if you request it in the fall or spring.
Labor
Hourly rates for labor vary from one HVAC contractor to another. Depending on the company, it may charge $125 per hour or more. Therefore, the longer the job takes, the more the cost adds up. Most furnace tune-ups take about an hour or two.
Larger systems and the need for repairs mean spending more. Another factor is if parts of the furnace are hard to reach. And, if a particular model’s design or servicing of specific components means a tech needs additional time, maintenance will cost more.
Warranty
If your furnace is still under warranty, you can save on maintenance. Manufacturer’s warranties often cover replacement parts. However, this only applies if your heating system has had annual maintenance regularly. Labor is typically not covered by a warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Furnace Maintenance Entail?
An HVAC technician usually follows a checklist to ensure the process goes smoothly and quickly. When servicing your furnace, they usually complete the following tasks:
- Clean or change filters
- Test the ignitor
- Inspect vent/flue connections
- Check blowers, motors, and fan belts
- Inspect fuel connections
- Adjust the pilot system and burners
- Analyze the combustion process
- Inspect electrical components
- Look for condensate drain clogs
- Check the heat exchanger for damage
When Should I Schedule Heating Maintenance?
Aside from setting a service appointment each year (or twice a year for an aging unit), there are times when you should have your furnace tuned up to address any issues. Some manufacturers will void the warranty if you don’t. Call your local heating company for a tune-up if the following issues occur:
- The temperature varies throughout your home.
- Your home never gets warm enough.
- Excess dust builds up on vents and surfaces.
- Your furnace makes strange noises.
- The pilot light turns orange or yellow.
- The unit turns off too soon.
- Your utility bills spike.
Are Furnace Tune-Ups Worth It?
Regular furnace maintenance service is important because it can prevent costly breakdowns and repairs. It can also increase the unit’s lifespan, delaying your investment in a new furnace. Tune-ups can improve energy efficiency as well; depending on your furnace, efficiency can improve by as much as 30%.
In addition, maintenance can make your furnace safer to operate and help improve indoor air quality.
Call Trilogy AC to Schedule Furnace Maintenance Service
We provide high-quality heating services in Katy, Houston, and surrounding areas, including comprehensive furnace tune-ups. Our trained technicians provide full evaluations and make recommendations on further maintenance or repairs. Members of our maintenance program receive various benefits, depending on the plan level. To learn more or request your furnace maintenance service appointment, call (832) 861-7935 today.
