Cost of Furnace Repair and Common Repairs
During the colder months of the year, one modern necessity in the home is a fully functioning furnace. If and when problems do arise, it is vital to get them repaired in a timely manner by a trained professional.
Depending on the type of issue causing your furnace to malfunction, cost of repairs will vary. The following information details a variety of common furnace problems and their associated costs.
Furnace Repair Cost
The average price range for furnace repairs is between $100-1600 depending on the issue, with most homeowners paying around $130-$400 on average.
Factors that Determine Cost
- Warranty
Some repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. If you have exceeded your warranty, costs will typically include the price of parts and labor.
- Service
Professional repair of your furnace will include diagnostic assessment and labor services. - Age, Size, Brand & Condition
Costs will be lower or higher depending on how old your furnace is; older furnaces may need universal after market parts to keep it going or original manufacturer parts which are no longer available. It’s overall size and brand also play a role in the cost of getting your furnace repaired.
Cost of Service Fees
Trained furnace repair technicians typically charge a visiting fee that covers their time, inspection and diagnosis of your furnace. This fee can range from $50-$100 per visit in general and will be more when hired for an emergency repair. Oftentimes technicians can fix a furnace within their initial visit, but if not, the parts for repair or replacement will need to be ordered and another visit for repair and/or installation will be scheduled that will include additional labor expenses.
Common Furnace Repairs:
The following list are common furnace repairs and their corresponding average costs:
- Blower motor repair (parts on the blower): $150-320
- Blower motor replacement: $450-$850
- Ignitor replacement: $220 – $400
- Thermostat replacement: $50 – $200+
- Flame sensor repair, cleaning/replacement: $80 – $250
- Heat exchanger replacement: $500 – $1,800
- Circuit board or pressure sensor repair/replacement: $120 – $750
- Gas valve or Smart valve replacement: $150 – $850
- Draft inducer replacement: $150 – $850
Repair pricing listed above vary from state and county. Repair prices do not include shipping and handling charges to bring in the part needed to repair your furnace.
Furnace Repair Prevention
The best way to avoid furnace issues that will require costly repairs is to perform preventative maintenance annually. Maintenance servicing will improve overall performance and energy efficiency, as well as prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your furnace. An average cost for a maintenance tune-up by a certified HVAC company is approximately $100. Inquire if the HVAC company you are hiring offers deals on maintenance services to keep your furnace functioning properly through the years.
What Are Common Problems With a Furnace?
- Thermostat malfunction. An older thermostat can wear out or be damaged, which limits your control of the heating system, say you set your thermostat to 72 degrees some older worn out thermostats can go over your set temperature or below sometimes by up to 5 degrees+/-. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat will solve this problem and also enable you to cut heating costs.
- Mechanical problems. The blower motor or bearings in a typical furnace are all wear and tear items. When these parts become worn, they must be replaced to avoid air flow problems or total system shutdown.
- Ignition problems. Most of today’s furnaces have electronic ignition, so that the burner only turns on when the thermostat calls for heat. A clogged burner nozzle or a faulty ignition will prevent the burner from working correctly.
- Cracked heat exchanger. This furnace component separates the combustion process from the indoor air supply. With age, a heat exchanger can crack, which causes safety and performance problems.
- Improper venting. Any furnace that burns fuel be it gas or propane requires an air supply for the combustion process, and a venting system to expel combustion gases. Your furnace technician will check for proper ventilation during regular service calls.
- Outdated, inefficient performance. Today’s high-efficiency, sealed combustion furnaces can operate at 90% efficiency or better. Older furnaces may only reach 75% or 80% efficiency, even in perfect conditions. Upgrading to an efficient, ENERGY STAR® furnace is a smart option in many cases.
- Leaky, uninsulated ductwork. Although ducts aren’t part of the furnace, their condition has a huge impact on overall heating of your home or business. By sealing and insulating the ductwork system, you can improve system efficiency by 15-20% or more.