A Central Boiler Maxim pellet furnace typically costs about $9,000-$18,000 for equipment and $12,000-$25,000 installed, depending on model, site work, and local dealer pricing. The Maxim 175, 250, 350, and 560 vary in heating capacity, while chimney, fuel storage, delivery, and connection to the home can substantially change the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace equipment | $9,000 | $13,500 | $18,000 | Model, controls, and dealer pricing affect the price |
| Installed project | $12,000 | $18,500 | $25,000 | Assumes ordinary access and a standard connection |
| Pellet fuel | $250/ton | $350/ton | $500/ton | Local availability and delivery change rates |
| Annual maintenance | $150 | $300 | $600 | Cleaning, replacement parts, or service call |
What Maxim 175, 250, 350, and 560 units cost
Budget roughly $9,000-$12,000 for a smaller Maxim 175 package, $11,000-$15,000 for a 250, $13,000-$17,000 for a 350, and $15,000-$18,000 or more for a 560. These are planning ranges for the furnace and common controls, not guaranteed dealer quotes; included parts and freight vary.
A complete installation often brings the total to $12,000-$25,000. Higher totals can reflect a larger model, long piping runs, a new chimney, electrical work, or difficult equipment access. Assumptions: U.S. pricing, standard equipment, ordinary access, and no major home heating-system renovation. The model and scope of installation matter more than a single advertised furnace price.
How chimney, piping, and labor shape the quote
Furnace equipment is usually the largest expense, but site work can add several thousand dollars. The ranges below are approximate components of a residential project; a quote may bundle them rather than list each separately.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Maxim furnace and controls | $9,000-$18,000 | Model, included accessories, dealer |
| Labor and system connection | $1,500-$4,000 | Hours, crew, piping length |
| Chimney and vent materials | $800-$2,500 | Height, configuration, code requirements |
| Electrical and plumbing supplies | $300-$1,500 | Existing service and system layout |
| Delivery, pad, and site preparation | $400-$2,000 | Distance, ground conditions, equipment access |
Installation labor commonly runs about $75-$125 per hour, though contractors may quote a fixed project fee. Ask whether the estimate includes commissioning, connection to existing heat distribution, travel, and removal of an old unit. Confirming inclusions prevents a low equipment quote from masking added installation charges.
Heating load, home size, and pellet capacity change model price
Model selection should follow the home’s heat loss, not just floor area. A well-insulated 2,000-square-foot home may need less capacity than a drafty home of the same size, while an outbuilding or domestic hot-water load can increase demand. Ask the dealer to document the sizing basis and expected peak heating load.
As a general comparison, the 175 and 250 suit lower or moderate loads, while the 350 and 560 are intended for larger demands. The higher-capacity models cost more upfront and may burn more pellets if oversized or poorly controlled. A run longer than about 100 feet between the furnace and building can also raise piping and trenching costs; site-specific design is needed. Accurate load calculations can avoid paying for capacity the property does not need.
Keep the Maxim installation price down by controlling scope
Keep the furnace close to the building when practical, since shorter insulated piping and a shorter trench can reduce labor and materials. Use an existing compliant chimney or electrical service only if a qualified installer confirms they are suitable. Avoid paying for replacement work that is not required by the equipment instructions or local code.
Compare at least three itemized dealer quotes for the same model and included accessories. Ask for separate prices for delivery, trenching, chimney, controls, startup, and warranty coverage. Comparing identical scopes is more useful than choosing the lowest equipment-only price.
Pellet furnace labor time and site access affect installation
A straightforward installation may take a crew one to two days after the site is prepared. Trenching, concrete work, long piping runs, electrical upgrades, or difficult delivery access can extend the project and add labor. Contractors may schedule additional time for startup and testing, particularly when connecting a hydronic system to existing equipment.
Request a written schedule that distinguishes preparation from installation and states who handles excavation, backfill, wiring, and system balancing. Rural distance can add a travel or delivery charge, commonly several hundred dollars, while unusually difficult access can cost more. Clarifying site responsibilities before signing helps keep labor overruns predictable.
Pellet deliveries and storage add to yearly operating expense
Pellets often cost approximately $250-$500 per ton, with delivered bulk fuel sometimes priced differently from bagged product. Annual use depends on climate, home insulation, thermostat settings, heating load, and pellet quality; a household might use several tons, so fuel can exceed $1,000 per season.
Storage capacity, delivery access, and the distance from the storage area to the furnace should be planned before installation. A service visit may cost $150-$300 before parts, while extensive repairs can raise the bill. Annual fuel consumption is a larger long-term budget variable than the initial accessory price.
Maxim pellet heat compared with propane or cordwood
A Maxim system has a higher equipment and installation cost than many basic supplemental heaters, but it automates pellet feeding compared with a conventional cordwood boiler. It is not automatically cheaper to operate than propane: the comparison depends on local fuel prices, seasonal efficiency, electricity use, and how much heat the home needs.
Estimate annual fuel cost using expected consumption and local prices rather than relying on a generic savings claim. Include electricity, cleaning supplies, routine service, and possible repairs in a multi-year comparison. Local pellet and propane prices determine whether operating savings can offset the Maxim’s upfront cost.
Regional dealer pricing and delivery distance shift totals
Quotes in remote areas may run 5%-15% above nearby-market pricing when the dealer must travel farther or arrange special delivery. In high-demand cold-weather markets, labor and scheduling can also push project totals roughly 5%-10% above a comparable lower-cost area. These are planning differences, not fixed regional price rules.
Check whether the quote includes freight, unloading, taxes, permits, and any inspection fees. Local building and mechanical requirements can affect chimney height, clearances, and installation details, so confirm requirements before ordering equipment. A local, site-checked estimate is more reliable than applying a national average to a specific property.