Furnace or Boiler Died in Your Massachusetts House? What to Do
When a furnace or boiler fails, first rule out simple issues like a tripped switch, empty oil tank or thermostat, then call a licensed technician. Replacing a system typically costs several thousand dollars, and Mass Save offers rebates and 0% HEAT loans, especially if you switch to heat pumps. In Western Mass winters, a dead heating system can also freeze pipes quickly, so act fast.
What to look for
- No heat or uneven heat between rooms
- Frequent resets, short cycling, or lockouts
- Banging, rumbling, or whistling from the boiler
- Yellow burner flame, soot, or a fuel smell
- Water leaking around the boiler
- Rising fuel bills with no change in use
What it costs
| What | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New furnace (national average) | $2,823 to $6,896; average about $4,814 | angi.com |
| Oil furnace (national average) | $6,750 to $10,000 | angi.com |
| Boiler replacement (national average) | $600 to $12,000; average about $5,910 | angi.com |
| Oil boiler (national average) | $4,800 to $9,000 | angi.com |
Ranges are published estimates; your quote depends on the house. Get two or three written quotes.
Massachusetts rules to know
- Mass Save offers air-source heat pump rebates of $2,650 per ton up to $8,500 for whole-home systems, more for income-eligible households, and 0% HEAT Loans up to $25,000; sponsors include Eversource, National Grid and Berkshire Gas (source: masssave.com)
- For rentals, the State Sanitary Code requires heat of at least 68°F in the day and 64°F at night from September 15 to May 31 (source: mass.gov)
- Utilities cannot shut off gas or electric service used for heat for financial hardship between November 15 and March 15 (source: mass.gov)
- Gas work requires a permit pulled by a licensed gas fitter or plumber; permits aren't issued to apprentices (source: law.cornell.edu)
- Oil burner technicians are licensed by the Department of Fire Services (source: mass.gov)
Who to call
- A licensed oil burner technician for oil systems; verify at the DFS lookup (source: madfs.mylicense.com) via mass.gov
- A licensed gas fitter or plumber for gas systems, and a licensed sheet metal worker for ductwork; verify on the state eLIPSE lookup (source: occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov)
- Mass Save (your utility) for rebates, a home energy assessment and HEAT loan (source: masssave.com)
- Tenants without heat: your local board of health
DIY or hire a pro?
You can check the thermostat, breaker, emergency switch, filter and oil level yourself. Any burner, gas, or boiler repair or replacement must be done by a licensed technician, and gas work needs a permit.
If fixing it is more than you want to take on
A new system can help a listing, especially with rebates lowering the cost. If you can't afford it, you can sell as-is and disclose the problem, though a house without working heat can be hard to finance or insure, and an empty unheated house risks frozen pipes. A cash buyer can close without working heat, but expect a lower price than a house with a working system.
Want a cash offer on the house as it is?
Western Mass Cash Home Buyers buys houses as-is across Western Massachusetts: no repairs, no cleanout, no fees. You pick the closing date.
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace a boiler in Massachusetts?
National averages run about $4,800 to $9,000 for oil or gas boilers, with total project costs ranging higher for complex installs.
Does Mass Save give rebates for replacing a furnace or boiler?
Mass Save's biggest rebates are for heat pumps, up to $8,500 for whole-home systems, plus 0% HEAT Loans up to $25,000.
What temperature must a landlord keep an apartment in Massachusetts?
At least 68°F during the day and 64°F at night from September 15 to May 31.
Can the gas company shut off my heat in winter?
Not for financial hardship between November 15 and March 15 if the service is used for heat.
Who can work on an oil burner in Massachusetts?
A technician licensed by the Department of Fire Services.
Related guides: Failed septic · Old oil tank · Old electrical wiring · Sewer line problems · Well water problems · Mold · all house problem guides
Sources
Checked September 2026: angi.com · angi.com · masssave.com · mass.gov · law.cornell.edu · mass.gov · mass.gov
General information, not legal, tax, medical or engineering advice. Rules and prices change; confirm with the agency or a licensed professional.