An annual inspection of your residential gas heating or cooling system keeps it running safely and efficiently all year long.
Spring and summer are usually the best times of year to have your furnace or boiler inspected in order to prepare for the heating season.
See below for specific resources for your state.
Annual Inspections & Service Plans by State
Maine inspections
Maine residents are encouraged to get their heating systems inspected and serviced every year. For your convenience, we have provided a list of Maine Plumbing & Heating Contractors (PDF).
Massachusetts inspections
Massachusetts residents can avoid expensive heating system repairs with our Clean & Check service. Equipment manufacturers recommend regular cleaning and maintenance of these systems to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Please call 1-888-301-7700 to schedule our next visit.
How much does it cost?
We offer a full inspection and cleaning of your heating system for $170.00 and an additional $85.00 for a 2nd heating unit at the same location. Please call 1-888-301-7700 to schedule our next visit.
What equipment is serviced?
Our trained gas equipment technicians will visit your home and perform a complete Clean & Check service, including:
- Clean the gas pilot, vacuum burner tray or burner and surface area of the unit
- Check the vent system, heat anticipator, and emergency shut off switches
- Replace the thermocouple
Steam systems
Steam systems will also receive the following:
- Flush low water cut-off
- Check the gauge glass
- Pressuretrol setting (check only)
Forced hot water systems/boilers
Forced hot water systems/boilers will also receive the following inspections:
- Oil circulator
- Pressure Aquastat setting
Forced warm air systems/furnaces
Forced warm air systems/furnaces will also receive the following:
- Fan and limit control settings
- Oil motors
- Replace filter
- Visual check of heat exchanger, belts, blower wheel, and bearings
New Hampshire inspections
In New Hampshire, Unitil offers annual inspections by our qualified technicians. We will check the major system components to ensure a quick and safe start-up when the time comes to turn it on. If, following your annual inspection, there’s a problem when you start your heating system in the fall, any additional labor is free provided that your boiler/furnace is deemed in good condition upon completion of the inspection.
Here is the checklist of services as part of your annual inspection (chimney and furnace/boiler cleaning are not included):
- Carbon monoxide test
- Check thermostat, heat anticipator and pilot
- Check main burner and vent condition
- Check chimney draw Check pressuretrol and system pressure
- Check ignition system
- Flush low water cut-off
- Inspect and lubricate blower motor, the assembly and circulator Inspect belt, condensate pump, expansion tank, filter condition and relief valve
- Test fan and limit control
| Annual Inspection Rates by Season | |
|---|---|
| September 1 - March 31 | $180.00 |
| April 1 - August 31 | $120.00 |
| EasyCare rate April 1 - August 31 - save $20! | $100.00 |
Central Cooling System Annual Inspection & Start-Up
We also offer a thorough central cooling system inspection and start-up program for EasyCare Service Plan Customers. An annual inspection of your central A/C equipment prior to the warmer seasons is always a good idea. If you schedule both your heating and cooling system annual inspections at the same time or if you have the EasyCare Central Cooling Service Plan, we’ll give you a discount!*
Here is the checklist of services as part of your inspection:
- Check condensate pump and drain
- Check control box, electric controls and electrical connections
- Check fan motor and blades
- Check refrigerant charge
- Check cabinet and condenser coil
- Check thermostat
- Check for leaks and tighten connections
- Replace customer-provided air filters
| Central Cooling System Inspection Rates by Season | |
|---|---|
| EasyCare rate May 15 - August 31 | $120.00 |
*Labor and parts for repairs and adding refrigerant may be performed at an additional charge.
Cleaning services are not included in annual inspections. If you would like to schedule a system cleaning, our service rates would apply. For appointments during normal business hours, we charge $110.00 for the first 30 minutes and $30 for each additional 15 minutes. Different rates apply to weeknights, weekends and emergency service visits. Please call us at 1-888-301-7700 for details.
Fuel Assistance Discounts
Customers receiving fuel assistance may be eligible for free or discounted products and services through their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. For questions or to see if you qualify, please contact your local CAP agency.
- Rockingham CAP: 603-895-3858
- Strafford CAP: 603-516-8130
New Hampshire EasyCare service plans
In New Hampshire, we offer EasyCare service plans — easy care and protection for your home heating system, central cooling system, water heater and interior gas lines (view EasyCare brochure). For more information on our plans, please call 1-888-301-7700.
Heating System Coverage
You can avoid expensive heating system repairs with EasyCare heating system coverage for $170.14. Coverage is for systems up to 15 years of age.
Central Cooling System Coverage
In addition to our heating system plan, we also offer central cooling system coverage for $143.69 for year-round protection and comfort. Your central cooling system can experience the same types of problems as your home heating system. Plus, repair costs can rise as high as the summer temperatures. EasyCare for cooling systems covers most parts and the labor to repair them.
Discounted Heating & Central Cooling System Coverage
We also offer a discount to customers who purchase heating and central cooling coverage together. You can save over 10% by getting both heating and central cooling system coverage at one low price of $278.24 for year-round protection.
Heating System & Water Heater Coverage
EasyCare water heater coverage is available for $187.39 when combined with a heating system plan. Our Total Care package (Heating, Central Cooling and Water Heater coverage) provides year-round protection for your equipment and the peace of mind to go along with it. Save by signing up for this comprehensive plan and protect your heating, cooling and water heating equipment with one low price of $293.19.
Gas Line Protection
Did you know you are responsible for gas pipe repairs from the meter to the appliances inside your home? If repairs are needed, EasyCare Gas Line Protection covers the cost to repair your interior piping when needed, including labor. This inexpensive, convenient repair service is available to single-family homeowners for a minimal monthly fee of $27.46.
How to Start EasyCare Service
To get started, download and complete the EasyCare Service Plan Request Form (PDF) and email it to rentalsandserviceplans@unitil.com.
Payment Options
There are three easy ways to pay for your EasyCare protection plans:
- One-time payment
- 3 consecutive monthly payments*
- 12 consecutive monthly payments(budget plan customers)* *
These payment plans are subject to the approval of our credit department. Customers with a monthly budget plan will be billed under the monthly schedule for service plans. Customers are responsible for the total annual cost of the plan.
Fuel Assistance Discounts
Customers receiving fuel assistance may be eligible for free or discounted products and services through their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. For questions or to see if you qualify, please contact your local CAP agency.
- Rockingham CAP: 603-895-3858
- Strafford CAP: 603-516-8130
