How Much Does a Furnace Inspection Cost? [2026 Data]

A furnace inspection costs $100 on average, but prices can range from $50 on the low end to $300 or more. You can save on the cost of furnace inspections by scheduling in the off-season or if you’re heating a smaller home, while bigger furnaces and oil furnaces in particular cost more to inspect. You should be scheduling a furnace inspection at least once a year, typically ahead of winter, to catch and repair any issues before the cold weather sets in and a working heating system is a must.

Furnace Inspection Cost Breakdown 

From the type of furnace to the size of your home, several different cost factors influence what you’ll pay for a furnace inspection. In general, you can expect to spend about $80 to $100 for this service, and you’ll want to budget to pay for an inspection every year. Luckily, these small costs can add up to big savings, since HVAC professionals will be able to catch any potential problems before they get worse and warrant expensive repairs.

Furnace Type

The cost to inspect a furnace ranges from around $50 to about $200. Inspections for gas and oil furnaces typically cost more than electric furnace inspections, because these types of furnaces have additional components to inspect. For example, an HVAC professional will need to check for any carbon monoxide leaks, which can lead to headaches, chest pain, eye and throat irritation, fatigue, shortness of breath or unconsciousness. Longer exposures may also cause brain damage and can be fatal.

Size

The bigger the home, the more the furnace inspection will be. That’s because a larger home requires a larger HVAC system, and a professional will have more parts to inspect. According to U.S. Census data, the median home size is about 2,300 square feet. For homes bigger than the median, you’re likely to pay $100 or more for the cost of a furnace inspection. Smaller homes will be at the lower end of the cost spectrum.

Time of Year

Most people schedule their furnace inspections in the fall or early winter when the weather begins to turn, so demand can be high around this time of year. And if you try to schedule an inspection in the middle of winter when temperatures drop dramatically, you’ll likely see higher rates, as HVAC pros tend to be especially busy with emergency services. You’ll spend on the lower end of the average range, around $50 to $100, by scheduling a furnace inspection from spring to late summer.

Time Since Previous Service

If it’s been a few years since you’ve hired someone to inspect your furnace, you can expect a bigger bill this time around. The furnace will likely need a tune-up, which will cost about $130 to $200, in addition to a thorough inspection.

Labor

For a furnace inspection, you’re paying entirely for the labor and expertise of a pro, rather than spending money on parts and materials. Although HVAC contractors will typically charge a project rate for a furnace inspection, you could pay by the hour. HVAC contractors charge about $50 to $150 per hour, with an inspection taking about one hour or up to two hours for an advanced inspection that includes a tune-up.

Additional Furnace Inspection Costs to Consider

Typically, when you schedule a furnace inspection, you’ll also need to budget for some standard maintenance tasks or minor repairs as well. However, these additional costs can save you money in the long term by minimizing the need for emergency repair services down the road.

Maintenance

A basic furnace inspection costs about $80 to $100 on average, but you can get additional services, like light cleaning and a tune-up, for the cost of an advanced furnace inspection—about $125 to $200. Outside of professional inspection and maintenance services, you should also install a new furnace filter about every 90 days. New filters cost about $1 to $35 apiece.

Repairs

Furnace repairs cost about $130 to $500, depending on the type of damage. Inspections can catch minor issues that cost less to repair compared to bigger problems or a furnace breakdown that requires emergency repairs. You should schedule regular furnace inspections even if you don’t suspect anything is wrong, but be prepared to pay for any necessary repairs if there is an issue. Otherwise, you could risk going without a furnace for a day or two in the middle of winter if it breaks down when you need it most.

Emergency Services

If your furnace breaks outside of typical hours, you’ll pay about $150 to $215 per hour for emergency services, in addition to the standard cost of furnace repairs. Ideally, you can avoid these costly emergency repairs by keeping up with annual furnace inspections.

Why You Should Hire a Furnace Inspection Pro

You'll spend between $80 and $200 for a professional furnace inspection, plus additional costs if you choose to add cleaning and a tune-up, or if a quick repair of a common furnace problem is necessary. However, doing it yourself isn't advisable. The job requires the knowledge and experience of a local licensed furnace maintenance company, not only for safety, but also to ensure an adequate report of your HVAC system's health. 

Here’s Why It’s Ideal to Hire a Furnace Inspection Pro

Furnace inspections require technical expertise and specialized diagnostic tools. Here’s why hiring a pro is the best option:

• HVAC professionals can safely check for gas and carbon monoxide leaks.

• They test and calibrate, if needed, any electrical connections and controls.

• DIY errors can lead to the creation of hazardous leaks or failures.

• Technicians can spot early signs of trouble to prevent future breakdowns.

• A professional can accurately predict potential future problems based on the condition of your system.

• Licensed contractors comply with all industry and manufacturer safety and operational requirements. 

• Regular professional furnace inspections and cleanings can prolong the life of your system. 

If You Want to DIY a Furnace Inspection

Hiring a pro to perform the actual inspection of your HVAC system is undoubtedly the safest way to go. However, if you’d like to handle simple maintenance tasks between professional inspections, here’s what you can safely do:

• Replace or clean furnace filters every one to three months.

• Clear dust and debris around vents and air intakes

• Maintain the batteries in the thermostat

• Keep the area around your furnace free from debris, clutter, and especially flammable materials.

• Report any unusual noises, smells, or performance problems to your pro.

Cost of Common Furnace Add-Ons

When it’s time to schedule a furnace inspection, there are some other HVAC upgrades and repairs you may want to consider tackling at the same time. In fact, you could save money by upgrading the furnace and AC system all at once compared to paying for individual repairs here and there. Some common add-ons include:

• New thermostat cost: $120–$270

• Heat pump cost: $4,300–$8,000

• Home energy audit cost: $220–$700

• HVAC repairs cost: $130–$2,000

• Oil tank replacement cost: $1,200–$4,600

How to Save Money on the Cost of a Furnace Inspection

Regular furnace inspections are well worth the money you spend on them each year. That’s because they can keep your furnace healthy and running properly. Still, if you want to save a little money on this routine work, be sure to:

• Keep up on maintenance: Changing filters, keeping air ducts clean, and staying on top of other maintenance tasks reduces wear and tear and saves you money in the long run.

• Schedule off-season inspections: Many people start scheduling inspections in the fall, so you might find some deals by scheduling a little earlier, toward the end of summer.

• Get multiple quotes: Don’t settle on the lowest service cost. Instead, compare quotes from at least three contractors and consider what services the inspections include.

• Find a pro you trust: Once you decide on a contractor, stick with them year after year. Your loyalty could earn you some discounts for being a regular customer.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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