How Much Does A Furnace Repair Cost?

Nothing bites like the teeth of winter when your furnace goes kaput. Or, maybe you see signs of an internal struggle–cycling on and off, blowing cold air, increased utility bills, toes that never feel warm. These are all signs your furnace needs a check-up and probably a repair. When left to linger, furnace problems lead to more expensive fixes. But can you afford an emergency repair?

In this cost guide, we walk you through all the factors that influence the cost of a furnace repair, including the price of replacing the most common parts.

The average furnace repair 

The average cost of furnace repair services is between $349 and $650, depending on the problem.  On the low end, homeowners pay around $90 for a service call and a new limit switch. On the high end, you could spend $2,000 for a new heat exchanger.

Cost to repair a furnace

Factors that influence furnace repair costs

The cost of repairing your furnace depends on several factors. To help you navigate the expense, we’ve listed those factors to help you prepare.

Furnace type

Most home furnaces run on electricity, propane, natural gas, or oil. The type of fuel your furnace uses will be a factor in the cost to repair it. That's because a gas furnace works differently and has different parts than an electric furnace.

Also, the type of system you have will affect the cost. For instance, a heat pump with an air conditioner will require different types of repairs than a natural gas furnace or oil furnace.

Repair type

The part of the furnace that needs fixing or replacing will also determine the repair cost. Some parts are easy to replace, others are more labor-intensive, and some are more expensive than others. Here is a list of the most common pieces to a furnace that need repairing and the typical price range to replace them. Some of these are simple repairs, while others are more complicated.

Cost of common furnace repairs

Labor

Depending on your location, HVAC repair technicians charge between $87 and $162 per hour.

Because some repairs take longer, the labor costs will vary. However, remember that some companies may up their service fees in winter to keep up with the demand. Emergency service and weekend, holiday, and after-hour calls will always cost more.

Signs your furnace needs attention

Besides an inability to keep you warm, there are other signs your furnace needs repairing. If you're experiencing any of the following issues, it's time to call a professional.

• Leaking water can indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
• It is usual for a furnace to smell a bit when first turned on for the season. But, any smells of fuel or burning must be evaluated as soon as possible.
• Your carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm.
• Unusual noises like squealing, whistling, groaning, or clunking must be investigated.
• The pilot light is yellow instead of blue.
• A furnace that turns on and off constantly isn't running correctly. This issue has several causes, so calling a professional to diagnose the problem is a good move.
• A furnace in need of repair will run inefficiently and result in increased utility bills.

Repair vs. replacement cost

The decision to repair or replace your furnace can be challenging. To help you decide, your HVAC technician will walk you through the possibilities based on a few factors.

The most common factor is cost. How does the repair cost weigh against the cost of replacing your furnace? Are you in a financial position to replace the system? How long will the repair last?

The second factor is the furnace's age. Most modern high-efficiency systems have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is near the end of that period, repairing it may not be cost-effective, and your technician will recommend a furnace replacement.

If your system is under ten years old, it shouldn't need a significant repair and possibly is still under warranty. In this case, the technician will discuss why this repair is needed at this time in the furnace's life and whether it is possibly a warranty claim. 

How to pay for your furnace repair

Repairing your furnace shouldn't be a cost-prohibitive home improvement expense. If it is, your HVAC technician will recommend replacing it. But if you're shivering in the cold and times are tough, there are a few ways to help you pay for a furnace repair. Compare the interest rates on each option before deciding so you're paying the least amount of money over the long term as possible.

• Ask about payment options: When you make the appointment, ask the HVAC company if they offer financing options allowing you to pay your bill in three to four installments.
• Borrow against your HELOC: If you already have a home equity line of credit, withdraw funds to pay this expense. If you don’t have a HELOC, talk with a lender about opening one today.
• Use a credit card. While not the best choice, a credit card will get the heat on and your family comfortable. Remember that if you cannot pay it off quickly, you'll pay a higher interest rate than the other options.

Other factors to consider

Geographic location

Furnace repair costs vary by region of the country. For example, the costs are higher in urban areas like Chicago or Houston than in rural locations. Always check with local HVAC professionals for the best price for your area. 

Regular maintenance

The average cost to clean, replace the furnace filters, and service a furnace is from $192 to $843, depending on the scope of work and type of furnace.

Whether you have a new furnace or one that's approaching the end of its lifespan, your heating system requires routine maintenance to keep it running as efficiently as possible. Depending on the type of furnace you have, performing the following tasks each year will ensure fewer repairs to your system.

• Use a wire brush to clean the carbon buildup from the combustion chamber.
• Inspect the flue pipe for holes and adjust the damper.
• Inspect and clean the ductwork.
• Replace the oil filter if needed.
• Replace the air filter.
• Adjust the burner and test. 
• Clean the floor vents throughout your home.

If there are items on this list you need help with or feel uncomfortable with, contact a local technician to schedule an appointment for a tune-up to your HVAC system.

Can I repair my furnace myself?

Before you settle into an evening of YouTube videos on how furnaces work, check your warranty. If your furnace is still covered, to DIY, even the simplest fix could void it. If it's not covered, be sure you want to take the risks involved with performing this level of project on your own.

Furnaces are complex systems that need specialized training to install and repair. Sure, you can perform a simple fix that doesn't require much skill. But fixing it without the necessary knowledge and previous experience could be unsafe. Furnace repair is one home repair that we recommend hiring a professional for.

A professional in the HVAC field has specific industry knowledge of many manufacturers' models. This knowledge enables them to diagnose and repair in a timely fashion, keeping you and your family warm when you need to be. 

Stay warm

Before the winter winds chill you to the bone, contact an HVAC mechanic to schedule routine furnace maintenance. Finding problems before they become emergencies will ensure your family stays warm all winter.

Since these costs are averages of what's charged nationwide, let us help you find a professional HVAC company in your neighborhood for more accurate pricing.