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This is one where we are struggling to find reliable sources of information. Anybody find some solid sources on this?  


Electric Baseboard

nothing


Mini Splits

most people have annual maintenance by a pro.  For about $150 to $200 a visit.


In Ground Heat Pump

most people have annual maintenance by a pro.  For about $150 to $200 a visit.


Central Natural Gas Furnace

most people have a pro come look at it when there is a problem.  A few call a pro for an annual checkup of $150 to $200 per visit.


Central Propane Furnace

most people have a pro come look at it when there is a problem.  A few call a pro for an annual checkup of $150 to $200 per visit.


Pellet Stove

cleaning once or twice a year is usually done by the owner


Wood Stove

About 65% of people hire a pro to come clean their chimney once a year.


modern wood stove

About 20% of people hire a pro to come inspect their chimney once a year.   Some stoves need internal bits replaced every five years or so.


Masonry Heater

clean out ash


Rocket Mass Heater

clean out ash

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steward
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Assuming cleaning the chimney is considered annual maintenance?

And also, in the case of gas units, they need to be serviced yearly (with all that it entails).

Do we want here to list yes or no for each type for annual maintenance, or do we also want to list costs in those cases where maintenance is needed?
 
steward
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I asked https://beta.openai.com/playground?model=text-davinci-003 the following question for each category of heat.
The information I got back is organized in a different way for different categories, and I'm not sure it interpreted everything quite right (e.g. it looks like it included fuel cost in the masonry heater category, but that number looks off to me).  
Anyway, I didn't spend any time analyzing the data - just pasted it here for reference.

What is the annual cost of maintenance for xxxxxxxx, including repair, service, cleaning and anything else.  Give me sources and examples.




Electric Baseboard:

The annual cost of maintenance for electric baseboard heaters can vary greatly depending on the type of heater, the size of the space being heated, and the frequency of use.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of servicing an electric baseboard heater is $150 to $200 per heater, which includes checking the wiring, connections, and thermostat, as well as cleaning the unit.

According to Energy.gov, the cost of repair, if necessary, can range from $50 to $200 depending on the type of repair.

In addition to repair and service, electric baseboard heaters also require regular cleaning. According to This Old House, the cost of cleaning an electric baseboard heater can range from $50 to $100.

Therefore, the total annual cost of maintenance and repair for an electric baseboard heater can range from $200 to $500, depending on the type of heater, size of the space, and the frequency of use.




Mini Split

The annual cost of maintenance for a mini split heater can vary depending on the type of unit, the size of the unit, and the frequency of use. Generally, an annual service costs between $150 and $300, and an annual filter cleaning can cost between $50 and $100.

Sources:

1. https://www.hvac.com/faq/what-is-the-cost-of-maintaining-a-mini-split-hvac-system/

2. https://www.totalhomesupply.com/blogs/diy-projects/cost-to-maintain-mini-split-ac-system

3. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/maintenance-for-mini-splits





In Ground Heat Pump:

The cost of maintenance for an in-ground heat pump can vary greatly, depending on the size and type of system, the climate, and the local utility rates. The following are some general estimates of annual maintenance costs for in-ground heat pumps:

• Geothermal heat pump systems: $400 - $600 per year
• Air-source heat pump systems: $200 - $400 per year
• Pool heat pumps: $150 - $500 per year

Sources:

• Geothermal Heat Pumps: Cost & Maintenance (https://energy.gov/energysaver/geothermal-heat-pumps-cost-maintenance)

• How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Heat Pump? (https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-heat-pump.htm)

• Pool Heat Pump Cost & Maintenance (https://www.poolheatpumps.com/cost-maintenance/)




Natural Gas:

The cost of annual maintenance for natural gas heaters will vary depending on the size, type and age of the unit, as well as the company providing the service. Generally, the cost of annual maintenance for a natural gas heater will range between $150 and $500.

For example, American Home Shield offers an annual service plan for $154.99 per year that covers up to two visits and any necessary repairs for natural gas heaters. Other companies offer similar plans, such as HomeServe USA, which offers an annual plan for $189.99 per year.

Sources:

1. https://www.ahswarranty.com/plans/home-systems-protection
2. https://www.homeserveusa.com/products/hvac-plans





Propane:

The cost of maintenance for propane heaters can vary greatly depending on the type of heater and the frequency of maintenance. Generally, the annual cost of maintenance for a propane heater can range from $50-$300, with higher costs associated with larger or more complex systems.

Sources:

1. https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/propane-heater-maintenance/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90febfbf7

2. https://www.familyhandyman.com/heating-cooling/furnace-repair/how-to-service-a-propane-heater/

3. https://www.bryant.com/faq/maintenance-tips-for-propane-heaters





Wood Stove:

The cost of maintenance for wood stove heaters varies depending on the type, size and condition of the model. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, many wood stoves require service and maintenance annually to ensure proper operation. Generally, the cost of maintenance includes chimney cleaning, inspection and repairs, burning system cleaning, and replacement of parts or components.

The cost of maintenance can range from $150-$500 per year. For example, Chimney Sweeps of America claims that their professional chimney cleaning and inspection services range from $150 to $400. They also note that additional repairs or components may increase the cost.

Source:
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: Wood Stove Maintenance
https://www.hpba.org/your-hearth/wood-stove-maintenance

Chimney Sweeps of America: Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
https://www.chimneysweepsofamerica.com/services/chimney-cleaning-inspection/





The cost of maintenance for modern wood stove heaters can vary widely depending on the specific make and model, as well as the services and frequency of maintenance. Generally, the cost of annual maintenance for a wood stove heater could range from $50 to $150, depending on the make and model as well as the services included.

For example, the manufacturer of the Hearthstone Heritage wood stove recommends that the stove receive an annual cleaning and inspection, which can cost between $50 and $150 depending on the company providing the service.

Other sources of maintenance costs include replacement parts, usually costing between $50 and $100, as well as fuel costs. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, the average cost of heating a home with a wood stove is between $200 - $300 per year.

Sources:

-Hearthstone Heritage Wood Stove: https://hearthstonestoves.com/owners-manuals/

-Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: https://www.hpba.org/about-heating-with-wood/





pellet stove:

The cost of maintaining a pellet stove can vary depending on the age, make and model of the stove, and the frequency of use. Generally speaking, the annual cost of maintenance for a pellet stove can range from $100 to $200, with the cost of parts, labor, and fuel pellets also factored in.

Sources:

1. https://www.woodheat.org/pellet-stove-maintenance.html
2. https://www.woodheat.org/pellet-stove-costs.html
3. https://www.homedepot.com/c/buying_guide_pellet_stoves/h_d1b7c9f2
4. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pellet-stoves/21344437/pellet-stove-maintenance-and-repair-guide





Masonry Heater

The estimated annual cost of maintenance for a Masonry Heater is about $200 to $500. This cost includes the cost of fuel, chimney cleaning, and other maintenance activities such as repairs and adjustments. Sources for this information include the Masonry Heater Association of North America, who states that “An annual service, at a cost of approximately $200-$500, is recommended to maintain the performance, safety, and longevity of your masonry heater.” Other sources such as The Masonry Heater Company also estimate similar maintenance costs.





Rocket Mass Heater

The annual cost of maintenance for Rocket Mass Heaters depends on many factors, including the size of the unit, the quality of the construction, the usage, and the environment in which the heater is installed. Generally speaking, the cost of maintenance for a Rocket Mass Heater ranges from $50 to $500 per year.

For example, a Rocket Mass Heater installed in a moderate-sized home may cost around $50 per year for regular maintenance, such as cleaning and service. Alternatively, a larger-scale installation may cost up to $500 per year for maintenance, including repair and servicing.

Sources:

1. Home Guides. (2020). "How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Rocket Mass Heater?"
2. Rocket Mass Heater Builder's Guide. (2020). "Maintenance & Troubleshooting."
3. Practical Primitive. (2020). "Rocket Mass Heater Maintenance."


 
pollinator
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Beau Davidson wrote:I asked https://beta.openai.com/playground?model=text-davinci-003 the following question for each category of heat.
The information I got back is organized in a different way for different categories, and I'm not sure it interpreted everything quite right (e.g. it looks like it included fuel cost in the masonry heater category, but that number looks off to me).  
Anyway, I didn't spend any time analyzing the data - just pasted it here for reference.

What is the annual cost of maintenance for xxxxxxxx, including repair, service, cleaning and anything else.  Give me sources and examples.




Electric Baseboard:

The annual cost of maintenance for electric baseboard heaters can vary greatly depending on the type of heater, the size of the space being heated, and the frequency of use.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of servicing an electric baseboard heater is $150 to $200 per heater, which includes checking the wiring, connections, and thermostat, as well as cleaning the unit.

According to Energy.gov, the cost of repair, if necessary, can range from $50 to $200 depending on the type of repair.

In addition to repair and service, electric baseboard heaters also require regular cleaning. According to This Old House, the cost of cleaning an electric baseboard heater can range from $50 to $100.

Therefore, the total annual cost of maintenance and repair for an electric baseboard heater can range from $200 to $500, depending on the type of heater, size of the space, and the frequency of use.




Mini Split

The annual cost of maintenance for a mini split heater can vary depending on the type of unit, the size of the unit, and the frequency of use. Generally, an annual service costs between $150 and $300, and an annual filter cleaning can cost between $50 and $100.

Sources:

1. https://www.hvac.com/faq/what-is-the-cost-of-maintaining-a-mini-split-hvac-system/

2. https://www.totalhomesupply.com/blogs/diy-projects/cost-to-maintain-mini-split-ac-system

3. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/maintenance-for-mini-splits





In Ground Heat Pump:

The cost of maintenance for an in-ground heat pump can vary greatly, depending on the size and type of system, the climate, and the local utility rates. The following are some general estimates of annual maintenance costs for in-ground heat pumps:

• Geothermal heat pump systems: $400 - $600 per year
• Air-source heat pump systems: $200 - $400 per year
• Pool heat pumps: $150 - $500 per year

Sources:

• Geothermal Heat Pumps: Cost & Maintenance (https://energy.gov/energysaver/geothermal-heat-pumps-cost-maintenance)

• How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Heat Pump? (https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-heat-pump.htm)

• Pool Heat Pump Cost & Maintenance (https://www.poolheatpumps.com/cost-maintenance/)




Natural Gas:

The cost of annual maintenance for natural gas heaters will vary depending on the size, type and age of the unit, as well as the company providing the service. Generally, the cost of annual maintenance for a natural gas heater will range between $150 and $500.

For example, American Home Shield offers an annual service plan for $154.99 per year that covers up to two visits and any necessary repairs for natural gas heaters. Other companies offer similar plans, such as HomeServe USA, which offers an annual plan for $189.99 per year.

Sources:

1. https://www.ahswarranty.com/plans/home-systems-protection
2. https://www.homeserveusa.com/products/hvac-plans





Propane:

The cost of maintenance for propane heaters can vary greatly depending on the type of heater and the frequency of maintenance. Generally, the annual cost of maintenance for a propane heater can range from $50-$300, with higher costs associated with larger or more complex systems.

Sources:

1. https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/propane-heater-maintenance/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90febfbf7

2. https://www.familyhandyman.com/heating-cooling/furnace-repair/how-to-service-a-propane-heater/

3. https://www.bryant.com/faq/maintenance-tips-for-propane-heaters





Wood Stove:

The cost of maintenance for wood stove heaters varies depending on the type, size and condition of the model. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, many wood stoves require service and maintenance annually to ensure proper operation. Generally, the cost of maintenance includes chimney cleaning, inspection and repairs, burning system cleaning, and replacement of parts or components.

The cost of maintenance can range from $150-$500 per year. For example, Chimney Sweeps of America claims that their professional chimney cleaning and inspection services range from $150 to $400. They also note that additional repairs or components may increase the cost.

Source:
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: Wood Stove Maintenance
https://www.hpba.org/your-hearth/wood-stove-maintenance

Chimney Sweeps of America: Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
https://www.chimneysweepsofamerica.com/services/chimney-cleaning-inspection/





The cost of maintenance for modern wood stove heaters can vary widely depending on the specific make and model, as well as the services and frequency of maintenance. Generally, the cost of annual maintenance for a wood stove heater could range from $50 to $150, depending on the make and model as well as the services included.

For example, the manufacturer of the Hearthstone Heritage wood stove recommends that the stove receive an annual cleaning and inspection, which can cost between $50 and $150 depending on the company providing the service.

Other sources of maintenance costs include replacement parts, usually costing between $50 and $100, as well as fuel costs. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, the average cost of heating a home with a wood stove is between $200 - $300 per year.

Sources:

-Hearthstone Heritage Wood Stove: https://hearthstonestoves.com/owners-manuals/

-Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: https://www.hpba.org/about-heating-with-wood/





pellet stove:

The cost of maintaining a pellet stove can vary depending on the age, make and model of the stove, and the frequency of use. Generally speaking, the annual cost of maintenance for a pellet stove can range from $100 to $200, with the cost of parts, labor, and fuel pellets also factored in.

Sources:

1. https://www.woodheat.org/pellet-stove-maintenance.html
2. https://www.woodheat.org/pellet-stove-costs.html
3. https://www.homedepot.com/c/buying_guide_pellet_stoves/h_d1b7c9f2
4. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pellet-stoves/21344437/pellet-stove-maintenance-and-repair-guide





Masonry Heater

The estimated annual cost of maintenance for a Masonry Heater is about $200 to $500. This cost includes the cost of fuel, chimney cleaning, and other maintenance activities such as repairs and adjustments. Sources for this information include the Masonry Heater Association of North America, who states that “An annual service, at a cost of approximately $200-$500, is recommended to maintain the performance, safety, and longevity of your masonry heater.” Other sources such as The Masonry Heater Company also estimate similar maintenance costs.





Rocket Mass Heater

The annual cost of maintenance for Rocket Mass Heaters depends on many factors, including the size of the unit, the quality of the construction, the usage, and the environment in which the heater is installed. Generally speaking, the cost of maintenance for a Rocket Mass Heater ranges from $50 to $500 per year.

For example, a Rocket Mass Heater installed in a moderate-sized home may cost around $50 per year for regular maintenance, such as cleaning and service. Alternatively, a larger-scale installation may cost up to $500 per year for maintenance, including repair and servicing.

Sources:

1. Home Guides. (2020). "How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Rocket Mass Heater?"
2. Rocket Mass Heater Builder's Guide. (2020). "Maintenance & Troubleshooting."
3. Practical Primitive. (2020). "Rocket Mass Heater Maintenance."



Beau the maintenance costs of electric baseboards seems very large. Unless they have a fan I have never heard of anyone doing anything other then vacuuming the lint and dust out of them. I would agree with most of the furnace costs as propane, oil, nat gas, geothermal, air to air heat pumps all need specialist labour which varies. I found the regular maintenance on a wood stove rather cheap. I never paid less than $200 to have  chimney sweep in let alone gasket repair and black pipe replacement or cracked bricks. This is going to be an Awesome infographic!
 
Liv Smith
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Some thoughts:


Electric Baseboard : clean thoroughly before the cold season. Basically free


Mini Splits:   $200-$400/year (https://www.fixr.com/costs/annual-air-conditioner-maintenance)


In Ground Heat Pump: $150-$350 /year (source https://homeguide.com/costs/geothermal-heat-pump-cost; the numbers for maintenance are towards the bottom of the page)


Natural Gas: $150 - $500 (https://homeguide.com/costs/furnace-inspection-cost)  and $120 from https://actheatingandcooling.com/services/repair-and-maintenance/


Propane: most likely cost would be the same as above


Wood Stove: $150 for a chimney cleaning (https://www.chimneypromt.com/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20Cost%20of,December%20is%20our%20busy%20season.) Or 0 if DIY


modern wood stove: same as above


Pellet Stove: $100 - $145/hour depending on location (https://bitterrootstoves.com/services/)


Masonry Heater: chimney would need to be cleaned. as above:  0 - $150 (DIY or hire chimney sweep)


Rocket Mass Heater: probably none??
 
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Mud and I are looking at this now.  Maybe for this row, what we need, is a short list of what needs to be done.  Including what is usually done by the homeowner, and what is usually done by a pro.

Another row in the infographic is about price for every ten years - maybe that can be a bit more money focused - leaving this row to be a bit more task focused.

??
 
paul wheaton
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I think the AI stuff is interesting, but ...  my general vibe-a-roony is that we have to throw out all the AI stuff on this one.  Too much of what it had to say is just wrong.
 
paul wheaton
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following liv's lead.  Here's my position on this:

Electric Baseboard : nothing

Mini Splits:   most people have annual maintenance by a pro.  For about $150 to $200 a visit.

In Ground Heat Pump: most people have annual maintenance by a pro.  For about $150 to $200 a visit.

Natural Gas: most people have a pro come look at it when there is a problem.  A few call a pro for an annual checkup of $150 to $200 per visit.

Propane: same as natural gas

Wood Stove:  About 65% of people hire a pro to come clean their chimney once a year.

modern wood stove:  About 20% of people hire a pro to come inspect their chimney once a year.   Some stoves need internal bits replaced every five years or so.

Pellet Stove: cleaning once or twice a year is usually done by the owner

Masonry Heater: clean ash out

Rocket Mass Heater: clean ash out

 
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I would like to strongly encourage yearly maintenance on any type of heater. I'm not saying I do it every year, just that I see value in it. If you're the kind of person who changes their oil regularly your car lasts longer. If you clean your chimney or mini split they will work better and be safer.
 
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Chris McClellan wrote:I would like to strongly encourage yearly maintenance on any type of heater. I'm not saying I do it every year, just that I see value in it. If you're the kind of person who changes their oil regularly your car lasts longer. If you clean your chimney or mini split they will work better and be safer.



I'm always amazed the amount of people that don't know even the basics of maintenance/design of their home's heating/cooling systems. They have an interest in its functionality but they either pay someone to maintain it or it goes unmaintained.
 
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I'm pretty sure central furnaces need filters changed regularly for air quality and reducing strain on blower motor

Says guy who needs to get this done soon....
 
Chris McClellan
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excellent point Devon.
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