The average cost of reparing a boiler is $175 - $600.
Boilers are an important aspect of any home, as they help produce hot water and heat the home. Most boilers last 10-15 years, with extremely efficient models lasting up to 20 years. If your boiler has been around for 10 years or more, expect to have some needed repairs, either because the system is completely broken or because it isn’t working as efficiently as it should.
There are a number of possible boiler repairs, but the average cost is $175-$600. While some aspects of boiler repair can be done on your own, it is recommended to always hire a professional to repair bigger boiler issues.
Boiler repairs are needed for a number of reasons, but the process and total cost vary depending on the type of boiler. In general, oil boilers tend to be the most expensive to install, operate, and repair.
Here are the warning signs to decide what is wrong with your boiler:
Natural Gas Boiler | Propane 3 Boiler | Oil Boiler | Electric Boiler | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ignitor 1 not working | A new ignitor 1 switch costs $40-$60. | A new ignitor 1 switch costs $25-$50. | A new ignitor 1 switch costs $35-$60. | A new ignitor 1 switch costs $60-$100. |
Mineral deposits | DIY cleaning condition can be purchased for $10-$25. Professional service runs $140-$200. | DIY cleaning condition can be purchased for $10-$25. Professional service runs $140-$200. | DIY cleaning condition can be purchased for $10-$25. Professional service runs $140-$200. | DIY cleaning condition can be purchased for $10-$25. Professional service runs $140-$200. |
Ductwork | Replacing old or damaged ductwork averages $35-$55 per linear foot, for an average cost of $350-$550 for a 10-foot length of ductwork. | Replacing old or damaged ductwork averages $35-$50 per linear foot, for an average cost of $350-$500 for a 10-foot length of ductwork. | Replacing old or damaged ductwork averages $45-$60 per linear foot, for an average cost of $450-$600 for a 10-foot length of ductwork. | Replacing old or damaged ductwork averages $30-$50 per linear foot, for an average cost of $300-$500 for a 10-foot length of ductwork. |
Expansion tank | A natural gas tank averages $40-$60. | A propane 3 tank averages $30-$55. | An oil tank averages $90-$130. | An electric tank averages $55-$80. |
Circulator | A new natural gas circulator costs $140-$160, and typical repairs average $50. | A new propane 3 gas circulator costs $140-$160, and typical repairs average $50. | A new oil circulator costs $150-$175, and typical repairs average $50-$80. | A new natural gas circulator costs $150-$170, and typical repairs average $50. |
In some cases, HVAC specialists have a set price for the service, which includes materials and labor. However, in other cases they charge an hourly rate that averages $60-$80 per hour. Hourly work typically includes the issues above where only material costs are listed, such as a new circulator or ignitor 1 switch.
In many cases, HVAC specialists offer a one-hour consultation or diagnostics appointment to find the source of the boiler problems and discuss repair options; homeowners then have the choice of how to proceed -they can hire out the repairs or (in some cases) do it themselves. Most boiler problems can be fixed in half a day to one day (4 to 8 hours, for a labor cost of $240-$640), but simpler problems (such as cleaning mineral deposits) or larger projects (such as reworking ductwork) can take shorter, or longer.
Cost to repair a boiler varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.