How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost in Boston? [2025 Data]

Keeping your furnace running in Boston, MA, comes with costs that go beyond just replacing worn-out parts. Local climate demands, labor rates, and permitting rules all influence what you’ll pay when the heat goes out. You can expect to pay about $344, but prices could be as little as $100 or as much as $1,100, depending on the issue. This guide breaks down the main factors—from part replacement and maintenance to hourly labor—so you can plan ahead and keep repair expenses under control.

Furnace Repair Cost Factors

When it comes to furnace repairs or replacements in Boston, MA, costs can vary widely depending on the part that needs attention, the complexity of the repair, and the labor rates in the area. Cold New England winters mean heating systems, such as boilers or furnaces, work harder and wear out faster, so homeowners here often face higher repair bills than in milder climates. Take a look at the main cost factors.

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 $50 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. To find the best value, get matched with HVAC pros in Boston, MA.

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. The type of furnace you have can also impact the time to complete a job.

HVAC Pro Costs

Furnace repair costs in Boston, MA, aren’t just about parts and labor—they’re also shaped by the city’s specific regulatory and business environment. From permits and insurance to licensing and local taxes, each factor plays a role in what you ultimately pay.

Local Labor

Boston’s hourly labor rates for HVAC and furnace repair typically reflect the city’s higher cost of living and specialized trade demands. Expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for furnace labor in Boston, though peak demand in winter may drive rates toward the upper end of that spectrum.

Permits

In Boston, any mechanical work involving furnaces—including installation, alteration, or replacement—generally requires permits through the Inspectional Services Department. Additionally, a gasfitting permit carries a $15 primary fee plus around $5 per appliance or $50 per furnace.

Insurance

HVAC contractors operating in Boston must carry general liability insurance, and they often provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees. This coverage is essential for permitting and protects both homeowners and technicians.

Taxes

Contractors must register their business with the City of Boston, obtain a business certificate, and fulfill local tax obligations. These costs are part of overhead and may be reflected in repair pricing.

Licensing and Certification

While Massachusetts does not require a general HVAC technician license, some specialized credentials are mandatory when performing furnace-related tasks. For example, an Oil Burner Technician Certificate is necessary for performing work on oil-burning systems.

Do Furnace Repairs Increase Home Value?

Routine furnace repairs are essential for maintaining your home’s comfort and preventing costly breakdowns, but they rarely translate into a direct boost in resale value. In real estate terms, most repairs are considered maintenance—not capital improvements—so they simply help your property retain its current market worth rather than appreciably increase it.

That said, keeping your heating system in top shape can have an indirect impact on buyer perception. When repair work is paired with energy-efficiency upgrades—like installing a programmable thermostat, sealing ductwork, or replacing an aging heat exchanger—your home can stand out in Boston’s competitive market, especially during winter viewings.

Although a single blower-motor repair or flame-sensor replacement won’t move the needle on appraised value, strategic improvements that optimize performance and efficiency can offer measurable appeal. In short, furnace repairs preserve your home’s value, and pairing them with targeted upgrades is what can truly elevate its market position.

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 survey 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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