How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost in Washington, D.C.? [2025 Data]

In a city where winters can bite and labor rates trend higher than the national average, knowing the cost of furnace repair in Washington, D.C., is essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to budget—from common part replacements and routine maintenance to hourly labor charges—so you’ll never be caught off guard by an unexpected service bill, regardless of your type of furnace. Take a look at the average costs, key factors that drive pricing, and expert tips for stretching your heating dollar in the nation’s capital.

Furnace Repair Cost Factors 

Furnace repair costs in Washington, D.C., can vary widely depending on what’s broken and how often you’ve kept up with maintenance. And D.C.’s seasonal extremes mean you’ll want a reliable system before winter hits.

We’ve broken down the average cost to repair common furnace parts and explained how hourly labor rates factor into your total bill. Knowing these cost drivers will help you avoid surprises and keep your home comfortable year-round.

Repair Cost by Part

Regardless of their fuel source, furnaces are complex appliances that have a lot of working parts. Some of those parts significantly influence furnace repair costs, while others are simpler and less costly to repair.

Here is the average furnace repair cost based on the part:

Maintenance Cost

A furnace requires regular maintenance in order to operate efficiently. Otherwise, dust and other debris can clog burners, the pilot light, and other parts, causing more wear and tear on the system. 

A furnace inspection costs $80 to $100 on average, and you need to schedule an inspection at least once per year to keep your system running smoothly. An advanced inspection, which includes cleaning and a tuneup, costs $125 to $200. 

Additional maintenance costs include filters and air duct cleanings. You need to replace the filters once every 90 days, which will cost $4 to $140 per year. Schedule duct cleanings every three to five years, and expect to spend $275 to $500 for the cost of cleaning air ducts.

Cost per Hour

Furnace repairs cost $75 to $150 per hour for the labor, plus you’ll need to budget for the cost of parts. Small repairs may be billed at a $100 to $200 minimum rather than by the hour. For a specific hourly rate, find a furnace repair technician near you.

One of the quickest repairs is to replace a dirty filter, which only takes a few minutes and is easy to DIY. Some of the more difficult, time-consuming parts to repair include the blower motor, the draft inducer motor, coils, and the heat exchanger.

HVAC Pro Costs

Furnace repairs in D.C. cost more than just the price of parts. Local labor rates, licensing rules, and regulatory red tape can all add to your total bill. Here’s what you need to know about the behind-the-scenes costs that keep your heat running legally and safely.

Local Labor Costs

In D.C., furnace service labor is about $75 to $150 per hour, depending on whether the technician is a journeyman mechanic or a master contractor overseeing the job. 

Any contractor working in D.C. must have a Washington, D.C. General Contractor’s License. Additionally, refrigerant, heating, and air-conditioning techs must hold an additional license from the DC Board of Industrial Trades. Due to licensing requirements and the city’s elevated cost of doing business, expect higher labor rates inside the Beltway compared to suburban zones.

Permits and Inspections

Most furnace repairs—particularly those involving gas line work, system modifications, or major component replacements—require a permit through the DC Department of Buildings. Permit holders are generally required to schedule inspections with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) at different stages of the HVAC project. 

Insurance and Liability

All licensed HVAC businesses in D.C. must be bonded and insured. A Certificate of Insurance includes general liability coverage and, if they have employees, workers’ compensation. As a homeowner, you should ask for proof of insurance before work begins, no matter what type of furnace you have. 

Taxes and State Fees

All routine fees—including licensing, permits, and inspections—are subject to D.C.'s sales or gross receipts taxes. Additionally, licensed contractors must register with the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue before invoicing clients. While these costs won’t appear line-by-line on your bill, they do contribute to overall rates.

Do Furnace Repairs Increase Home Value?

Similar to carrying out a boiler repair, fixing your furnace won’t skyrocket your home’s resale price overnight. Unlike a kitchen remodel or a fresh coat of paint, furnace repairs aren't a flashy selling point. But in D.C., where winters get cold and energy costs climb fast, a well-functioning, efficient heating system does matter.

If your furnace is broken, outdated, or running on fumes, it can raise red flags during inspection, delay your sale, or even knock thousands off your offer price. On the flip side, a documented repair or a recent tuneup signals to buyers that the home has been cared for. It won’t show up as a dollar-for-dollar return, but it can mean fewer negotiations and a smoother sale.

In a competitive D.C. market, where buyers are already stretching budgets, knowing they won’t have to shell out for a new furnace in their first winter can give your home the edge. So no, furnace repairs won’t technically boost your home’s value, but skipping them could definitely cost you.

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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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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