During the winter months, a damaged or broken furnace is a huge inconvenience. If you suspect your furnace may need repair, address the issue as soon as possible. Whipple Service Champions can help you keep your house heated with its affordable furnace repair service. Costs will vary depending on several factors, but you can get an estimate based on the average cost to replace certain parts or fix specific issues. Read on to learn more about the average furnace repair costs for various furnace problems.

Range of Costs Overall

Since there are so many possible furnace problems to repair, there is an extensive wide range of potential costs. Furnace repairs range from around $500 to $1000 at the highest range in the United States. If your furnace happens to be under warranty when it needs repair, replacement parts may be covered by the warranty. If this is the case, you will only need to cover the cost of labor and service fees. Otherwise, you will also need to factor in the cost of replacement parts into your estimated cost. When you are estimating the cost of your repair job, be sure to consider whether it would be a good investment to replace the furnace entirely. When it gets to be more than 10 years old, you might want to replace the furnace instead of getting it fixed, so you can avoid having to continue replacing parts frequently.

Cost of Service Fees

When we send out an expert member of our team to repair your furnace, this fee helps cover their time and labor. Service fees tend to be higher for emergency jobs outside regular service hours, such as evenings or weekends. Doing regular maintenance can help you avoid having to make a last-minute call that results in a higher bill. Having filters changed, checking the furnace for leaks, and keeping it clean can extend the life of your furnace and keep repair bills lower.

Blower Motor

Repairing a blower motor normally costs around $500-$550. If the issue is more severe and a replacement is required, the bill will be higher. They can run anywhere from $600 to $1,500, depending on how complex the motor is and its size.

Draft Inducer Motor

A replacement draft inducer motor will cost between $500 and $700. These motors are specific to manufacturers, so it can be harder to find the exact model needed. Technicians may not have the specific model on hand during emergency repair jobs at odd hours. Repairs cost less, with prices ranging from $250-$450.

Thermostat Replacement

A faulty thermostat is a relatively easy fix. Sometimes, the problem is a dead battery, which can be fixed easily and cheaply. Premium thermostats often have more complex functions, and a replacement for one of these runs at around $560 (For a Premium Thermostat).

Ignitor Replacement

Problem igniters are one of the most common problems and reasons for repair. When they are not maintained with regular cleaning, they can build up dirt quickly and stop functioning. They are often replaced as an emergency job, which adds up to a cost somewhere around $300-$400 due to service fees. If they are replaced during normal hours, they can cost around $200. A failed ignitor can also damage other parts of the furnace, such as the circuit board. It’s important to replace an ignitor before it can cause other problems.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is a vital component of your furnace. Heating fluid combusts inside this part, which heats up the air that will be circulated throughout your home to keep it warm. If your heat exchanger cracks, it can cause serious problems including carbon monoxide leaks.

Flame Sensor Repair or Replacement

Flame sensors ensure that the gas valves stay closed unless there is a flame available to burn the gas, which prevents gas leaks by preventing a buildup. It is a metal rod that sits in front of the furnace’s flame. Repairs and replacements will both stay within the range of $80-$250.

Circuit Board

Many furnaces have multiple circuit boards, but some only have a motherboard. Circuit boards control the operation of the other parts, including the motors and sensors. Repairs and replacements are around $900, depending on the extent of the repair needed.

Pressure Sensor

The pressure sensor, or switch, in your furnace, helps ensure the furnace is drafting and expelling excess gases. There are two types, high and low-pressure switches, for different kinds of furnaces. They prevent the flame from lighting if there is a buildup of gas that could be dangerous. The cost of replacing this switch can range from $40-$350, depending on the type of switch. There are two types, high and low-pressure switches.

Gas Valve or Smart Valve

Gas valves control the flow of gas into your furnace. As they get older, they can sometimes lose the ability to open and close when necessary. Gas valves for two-stage furnaces tend to be more expensive than those for single-stage furnaces because they are more complex. If your gas valve needs to have a liquid propane valve added during installation, the price will also be higher by about $50. Universal gas valves are cheaper than brand name valves. With all this in mind, the price for a replacement job on a gas valve ranges from $195 to $870.

Furnace Maintenance

Avoid high repair bills or dangerous furnace problems by scheduling regular maintenance. A technician can check the state of your furnace and its parts, as well as replace the filter and clean the interior. An annual inspection can alert you to failing parts before they cause extensive damage or become a safety hazard. Save money on the cost to replace furnace parts by getting replacements done as soon as possible so that you can be prepared for winter or sudden cold days. Some good maintenance tasks to start with are:

• Cleaning the air ducts
• Regularly changing the filter
• Check for leaks in the air ducts
• Make sure the thermostat is working

Signs You Need Furnace Repairs

If your furnace needs repairs, chances are you have noticed some of the signs that parts have stopped working. The most obvious way to tell your furnace needs repairs is when it blows cold air out. This shows that it isn’t doing its most important job, which is heating air. New, loud noises suggest that a part is loose and is banging around inside the furnace. Higher heating bills tell you that the furnace is losing its efficacy and efficiency, probably due to an issue with one of its parts. Another clear sign that something is wrong is a yellow pilot light. If it is yellow, carbon monoxide may be leaking from your heat exchanger. Always be sure to call an expert if your furnace is having issues. Some furnace problems are extremely dangerous and can cause poisoning or fires. Technicians can provide quick and effective help for broken or damaged components.

Whipple Service Champions has teams of experts prepared to help with any plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or heating needs you may have. Contact us today to schedule maintenance or repairs.