Furnace removal costs $60 to $500 depending on furnace type, size, and access difficulty. Most HVAC contractors include removal when installing a replacement. If you just need the old unit hauled away, Dropcurb picks up furnaces placed curbside. Pickups start at $59 for small items, and each item's price is shown before you book.
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| Method | Cost | Speed | You Do... | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC contractor (bundled with new install) | $60–$330 (included) | Day of install | Nothing — bundled with replacement | Replacing your furnace |
| Standalone HVAC removal | $500–$600 | 1–3 days | Nothing | Removing without replacing |
| DIY disassembly + Dropcurb pickup | $0 + item price shown at booking | Same day | Disconnect, disassemble, move to curb | Maximum savings |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Varies by local availability | Confirm with provider | Full-service; confirm included scope |
| Scrap yard drop-off | Free or $15–$40 earned | Same day | Transport it yourself | Have a truck and want scrap value |
| Municipal bulk pickup | Free | 2–8 weeks | Move to curb on pickup day | Not in a hurry |
How Much Does Furnace Removal Cost by Type?
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.
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| Furnace Type | Weight | Removal Cost (Bundled) | Removal Cost (Standalone) | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric furnace | 60–100 lbs | $60–$150 | $200–$400 | Low — disconnect electrical only |
| Gas furnace | 100–350 lbs | $60–$330 | $300–$600 | Medium — cap gas line required |
| Oil furnace | 150–400 lbs | $100–$500 | $500–$1,500+ | High — oil tank disposal adds cost |
| Gravity/octopus furnace | 500–1,000+ lbs | N/A (always standalone) | $2,000–$5,000+ | Very high — cast iron, asbestos risk |
| Boiler (hydronic) | 300–800 lbs | $200–$600 | $500–$1,500 | High — drain system, heavy unit |
Can I Remove a Furnace Myself?
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.
What Affects Furnace Removal Cost?
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.
Old furnace sitting at the curb? Dropcurb picks it up same day, and you see the price before you book.
Get Instant PricingIs a Furnace Worth Scrapping?
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.
How to Save Money on Furnace 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, with the price shown before you book, instead of paying $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.
How to Book Furnace Removal With Dropcurb
Disconnect safely
Have a licensed HVAC tech or plumber cap the gas line and disconnect the furnace from ductwork and electrical. This typically costs $75 to $150.
Move to the curb
Use a hand truck or dolly to wheel the furnace out of your basement. Recruit a helper — most gas furnaces weigh 100 to 350 pounds.
Book Dropcurb online
Select your items and see instant pricing, with pickups from $59 for small items. No phone calls, no in-person estimates, no surprises.
We pick it up
A local hauler picks up your furnace curbside, the same day when you book by 2 PM local time. The unit gets recycled at a certified facility.
Old furnace ready for pickup? Get instant pricing and book in 60 seconds.
Get Instant PricingFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have a furnace removed?
Furnace removal costs $60 to $330 when bundled with a new installation, or $500 to $600 for standalone removal without replacement. DIY disassembly costs $75 to $150 for gas line capping plus Dropcurb curbside pickup, with the price shown before you book. Gravity and oil furnaces cost significantly more due to weight and hazardous material handling.
Can I remove my own furnace?
You can physically remove an electric furnace yourself after disconnecting power at the breaker. Gas furnaces require a licensed professional to cap the gas line before you handle the physical removal. Oil furnaces should be professionally removed due to residual oil and potential asbestos concerns. Always check local permit requirements.
Is it worth fixing a 20 year old furnace?
Most HVAC professionals recommend replacing rather than repairing a furnace that is 15 to 20 years old. The average furnace lifespan is 15 to 25 years. Repair costs for aging furnaces often run $300 to $1,200, and you risk another breakdown soon after. A new high-efficiency furnace can reduce heating bills by 15 to 30 percent.
How much is a furnace worth in scrap metal?
A typical residential gas furnace is worth $15 to $40 in scrap metal as a whole unit. If you strip the copper, aluminum, and brass components and sell them separately, you can get $30 to $60. Some scrap haulers will pick up old furnaces for free because of the metal value.
How difficult is it to move a furnace?
Moving a residential gas furnace requires two people and a hand truck or dolly. Standard units weigh 100 to 350 pounds. The main challenges are navigating basement stairs, fitting through narrow doorways, and safely disconnecting gas and electrical connections beforehand. Gravity furnaces at 500 to 1,000+ pounds require professional moving equipment.
Does the HVAC installer remove the old furnace?
Yes — virtually all HVAC contractors include old furnace removal and disposal in their installation quote. The removal portion typically adds $60 to $330 to the overall project cost. If removal isn't explicitly listed in your quote, ask to have it included before signing.