Furnace Removal Cost: What You'll Actually Pay [2026]

The type of furnace you're removing is the biggest cost factor. Modern gas furnaces are relatively straightforward. Old gravity furnaces, oil furnaces, and cast iron boiler-style units are heavier, harder to access, and may involve hazardous materials.

Gas furnaces (most common) weigh 100 to 350 pounds and are the simplest to remove. HVAC contractors typically charge $60 to $330 for removal and disposal when bundled with a new installation, according to HomeAdvisor and NerdWallet (2026 data). Carrier estimates the range at $60 to $500 depending on complexity.

Oil furnaces require additional steps because the oil tank must be properly drained and disposed of. Oil tank removal alone can cost $500 to $3,000 depending on whether it's above ground or buried. The furnace itself is similar in size to a gas unit.

Gravity furnaces (octopus furnaces) are the most expensive to remove. These massive cast iron units from the early 1900s can weigh 1,000 pounds or more and have large ductwork tentacles running throughout the basement. Full removal with duct replacement runs $4,500 to $11,000 according to Angi.

Electric furnaces are the lightest at 60 to 100 pounds and the cheapest to remove. No gas lines or oil tanks to deal with — just electrical disconnection.

You can remove a furnace yourself in some cases, but there are important safety and legal considerations.

Gas furnaces require a licensed professional to disconnect the gas line in most jurisdictions. Touching gas lines without a license can void your homeowner's insurance and create explosion risk. Once the gas is capped by a pro ($75 to $150), you can handle the physical removal yourself.

Electric furnaces are the most DIY-friendly. Turn off the circuit breaker, disconnect the wiring (or have an electrician do it for $50 to $100), and the unit lifts right out.

Oil furnaces should not be DIY removed. Residual oil, potential asbestos in older units, and environmental regulations around oil tank disposal make this a job for licensed professionals.

The physical removal is the easy part once disconnected. Most residential furnaces fit through standard basement doors. Cut the ductwork connections with tin snips, unbolt the unit from the platform, and use a hand truck or dolly to move it to the curb. A standard gas furnace is a two-person job at 100 to 350 pounds.

Basement access is the second biggest factor after furnace type. A furnace in a walkout basement rolls right out the door. A furnace in a cellar with narrow stairs and a bulkhead entry requires disassembly or a multi-person carry.

• •Asbestos concerns — Furnaces installed before 1990 may have asbestos in duct insulation, pipe wrap, or the unit itself. Asbestos testing costs $25 to $75 per sample, and professional abatement adds $1,500 to $3,000. Never disturb suspected asbestos yourself.

• •Ductwork removal — If you're removing ductwork along with the furnace (common when switching to ductless systems), expect an additional $2,000 to $4,000 according to Moncrief HVAC.

• •Permits — Some municipalities require permits for furnace removal, especially if gas lines are involved. Permit costs typically run $50 to $150.

• •Disposal fees — Local dump fees for large appliances range from $20 to $50. Many recycling centers accept furnaces for free because of the metal content.

A typical residential gas furnace is worth $15 to $40 in scrap metal according to North NJ HVAC. The cabinet is mostly sheet steel (low value), but the heat exchanger, burners, and internal components contain small amounts of copper, aluminum, and brass that fetch higher prices.

To maximize scrap value, strip the furnace before taking it to the yard:

• •Copper tubing and wiring — $2 to $3 per pound for clean copper
• •Aluminum heat exchanger fins — $0.30 to $0.50 per pound
• •Brass fittings — $1.50 to $2.00 per pound
• •Steel cabinet — $0.03 to $0.10 per pound

A fully stripped furnace might net $30 to $60 if you separate metals. Most homeowners take the whole unit to the yard and accept $15 to $25 for the convenience.

Some local recyclers and scrap haulers will pick up old furnaces for free because of the metal value — worth calling around before paying for removal.

• •Bundle with replacement — HVAC contractors almost always include old furnace removal in the installation price. Removal adds just $60 to $330 to a $4,000 to $8,000 replacement job. If removal isn't included, negotiate it in.

• •DIY disconnect + curbside pickup — Have a licensed pro cap the gas line ($75 to $150), then move the furnace to the curb yourself and book Dropcurb for $79. Total: $154 to $229 versus $500 to $600 for standalone professional removal.

• •Call scrap metal haulers — Many will pick up a furnace for free since the metal has value. Check Craigslist free section or call local scrap yards.

• •Use municipal bulk pickup — Most cities offer free bulk item pickup, though wait times run 2 to 8 weeks. Check with your local sanitation department.

• •Ask the HVAC installer about the old unit — Some contractors sell the scrap metal from old furnaces they remove. Ask if they'll discount your installation by the scrap value.