- The average furnace repair costs between $150 and $500.
- Regular preventative maintenance can help your furnace last longer (and run more efficiently).
- Most HVAC professionals charge at least $75 an hour, if you need expert help.
The last thing anyone needs is a broken furnace in the middle of a cold spell. Furnace repair costs will vary depending on what kind of furnace you have and the specific type of problem it’s having. Searching online for an HVAC professional in your area is a great place to start.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are six common furnace repairs and how much they’ll cost you to have fixed. If you’re not comfortable tackling them yourself, it’s best to contact a furnace repair service company. If your furnace is still under warranty, contact whoever installed it directly. Either way, the best place to start is an online search for parts and service providers near you.
Filter Replacement
A furnace filter should be replaced every one-to-three months. To prevent a breakdown, regularly check your filter. Replace it (or clean it, if applicable) as needed. For example, you can use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce allergens in your home. If you don’t have one installed, see your local hardware store for recommended options.
It is important to replace your furnace filter on a regular basis. Otherwise, dust particles will accumulate on top of it, reducing its effectiveness. This not only reduces air quality but also increases energy costs by requiring more power from your system to heat up rooms in your house. Filters are relatively cheap at any hardware store (or online), so there’s really no need to pay a pro for this job.
Thermostat Inspection
One of your furnace’s most important components is its thermostat. A faulty thermostat can cause your unit to overheat, which can lead to some serious problems like premature wear or even a total breakdown.
If you notice that your thermostat is set lower than usual or isn’t responding quickly to changes in room temperature, schedule a service call with a professional furnace repair service. The cost of repairing or replacing a faulty thermostat will vary depending on your home’s make and model. On average, however, homeowners can expect to pay between $200-$600 for repairs if they have their unit serviced by a professional.
Broken Blower Motor or Fan
When your blower wheel gets damaged, you’ll have trouble heating or cooling your home. Replacing the fan itself will cost you a few hundred bucks. If the entire motor needs to be replaced, that cost can balloon up to $1,500. If the furnace is more than 15 years old, you might want to consider replacing it entirely.
Dirty Heat Exchanger
If your furnace’s heat exchanger is covered in dirt or mold, it could be circulating bacteria-filled air into your home. A dirty heat exchanger costs an average of $500 to $1,500 to replace. It depends on your make and model.
Replacing a dirty heat exchanger should take a HVAC technician two hours of labor at a cost of $75 per hour; they may also need to rent tools that cost up to $100 per day.
Fuse Repair
Though fuses are small, they’re a pretty big deal if they blow out, as it means your furnace is struggling to keep up with demand. This can be caused by several things, including faulty wiring or a clogged condenser.
The fix is fairly simple: Replace any blown fuses in your circuit panel (which should be labeled). If that doesn’t do it, schedule an appointment with a professional furnace repair service. It may be time for an upgrade.
Blown Circuit Board
One of your furnace’s most vital components is its circuit board. It controls everything from which zone gets heat to how long it stays on. If there’s a problem with your circuit board, you could have some really weird things happen — like zones not getting any heat or blowing fuses over and over again.
A blown circuit board can be even more dangerous, if excessive carbon monoxide starts creeping into your home. If you suspect something’s wrong with your circuit board, call a professional right away. The average replacement cost is $200 to $600.
Replacing Your Entire Furnace
Depending on where you live, your furnace is probably one of your biggest monthly bills. Replacing an old furnace with a new high-efficiency model can save you hundreds of dollars a month in energy costs, plus it’ll help protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Talk to local contractors about which models will fit in your home and how much they cost.
If you decide to replace your entire furnace, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 for installation. Keep in mind that these are just averages; if you have unique needs or special features (like ductwork), prices could be higher or lower than average.
The Bottom Line
If you’re not sure whether your furnace needs repair, it’s best to get a professional assessment. A skilled technician will be able to assess potential problems quickly and make any repairs that need to be made. This can prevent bigger problems from occurring in future, or ensure that if big issues do arise down the line, they won’t damage your home or put you at risk of injury.
Your furnace is one of the most important responsibilities of home ownership, along with other common obligations. Make sure you budget accordingly to keep it in great working order.
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