There are many considerations when determining the cost of furnace repair. According to Angi, the average cost of repairing a furnace is over $300 (in 2024 dollars), but some repairs can cost $1,400 or more. We’ll look at what factors are considered when pricing a heater repair. At Trilogy AC, we aim for high-quality, cost-effective heating service and educate our customers so they can make informed decisions.
When considering the cost of repairs, these are some of the most important questions to ask:
- Is a Furnace Repair Too Costly?
- How Bad Is the Damage?
- What Type of Furnace Do You Have?
- How Much Are Replacement Parts?
- Is It Easy to Access Your Heating System?
- How Much Are Labor and Service Fees?
- What’s the Cost of Living in Your Area?
- Does Your Furnace Just Need Regular Maintenance?
1. Is a Furnace Repair Too Costly?
Fixing an old furnace can be expensive. In extreme cases, a repair can cost more than replacing the unit. Even if not, you can end up spending more on frequent service. Your local heating contractor can evaluate your furnace to help weigh the options.
There are a couple of other ways to determine if a furnace repair is worth it. One is to multiply the repair estimate by the unit’s age; if the answer is over $5,000, you’ll probably spend less by investing in a new furnace.
Another method is the 50% rule. If repairing a furnace that’s about 15 years old costs over 50% of the price to replace it, a repair is too expensive. However, price quotes can vary based on many factors, including the type of furnace, so ask the contractor to provide a breakdown of costs when receiving a quote.
2. How Bad Is the Damage?
Replacing burners or flame sensors isn’t uncommon. These parts generally don’t cost much. Labor and other fees often cost more. Nonetheless, it pays to repair the unit. If the damage is more severe and requires more substantial work, like replacing the heat exchanger, this is a cost consideration that can have a bigger impact on your budget.
3. What Type of Furnace Do You Have?
Electric furnaces are usually less expensive to repair than other fuel-burning units. Gas, oil, and propane furnace repairs tend to be more costly because components tend to be more complex. In some cases, the type of furnace can have a bigger effect on repair costs than a unit’s brand or age.
Gas furnaces also require more maintenance. They consist of parts like ignitors, gas valves, flue pipes, and combustion chambers that can cost hundreds of dollars to replace. Oil furnaces can require costly repairs to burners and fuel pumps. Meanwhile, electric furnaces often require less expensive repairs, like installing new thermostats or heating elements.
4. How Much Are Replacement Parts?
A furnace repair quote is largely determined by the cost of replacement parts. Larger, more complex components can be quite costly. For example, replacing a draft inducer motor can cost $1,500 while a blower motor can cost as much as $2,000.
The complexity of a part is certainly a cost consideration. Another factor is the quality of its construction. Some original equipment manufacturer’s parts are designed with higher quality materials than others. Therefore, where a heating service company sources its parts can impact repair costs.
5. Is It Easy to Access Your Heating System?
Ease of access depends on where your furnace is located. It also depends on the work required to reach the part to be repaired or replaced. If a part is relatively easy to access, less labor is involved. More difficult-to-reach parts that require disassembly or significant time to service can contribute to much higher furnace repair costs.
6. How Much Are Labor and Service Fees?
It’s not uncommon for HVAC contractors to charge up to $150 per hour—sometimes more. Some furnace repairs can take several hours, which adds up to a significant part of your bill. On top of that, the company may set a base fee to cover travel costs and the time to perform an initial inspection and diagnosis. Service fees can also vary depending on the type of repair and the time of year, while emergency calls involve higher fees, especially after hours and on weekends and holidays.
7. What’s the Cost of Living in Your Area?
In areas with a higher cost of living, such as Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; and Cleveland, OH, furnace repair tends to be more expensive. This is because the cost of materials is higher and contractors charge higher fees to cover increased costs. Therefore, the same type of repair can vary in cost from one city or region to another.
8. Does Your Furnace Just Need Regular Maintenance?
Some services are included as part of your heating maintenance plan. For example, changing a filter or cleaning a furnace are routine tasks. If the underlying cause of an issue is a clogged filter or dirty burner or sensor, addressing the problem may not cost much.
Also, make sure to schedule annual maintenance in the fall so your furnace is ready to meet the heating demand during the cooler months. It can reduce the risk that you’ll need a costly furnace repair shortly.
Contact Trilogy AC for a Furnace Repair Quote
Trilogy AC is a leading heating services company in Houston, TX. We can fix any problem and deliver first-class customer service. Whether your furnace emits odors, makes noise, or doesn’t provide enough heat, our technicians quickly troubleshoot the problem and help you decide on the best repair option. For prompt furnace repair, schedule service or call (832) 241-5082.
