Let’s answer the question – What is the average cost of furnace repair in 2020.
Here’s the deal: We spend the vast majority of our time outside of working lives inside our homes.
Many people would consider their home their sanctuary. It is the place we feel most comfortable, and most like ourselves.
It is where we sleep, and it’s the place we feel safe from everything going on it the world and where we find protection from the elements.
Well, this is all true UNTIL the furnace in your home decides to break down.
When this happens, it can feel like the world is against you, but that’s outside of our harsh winter months.
When your furnace throws a tantrum and breaks down in the middle of the frigid January of February month, there are few things I can think of which are worse.
This can mean one thing and one thing only – it’s time to call the furnace repairman (aka your local HVAC contractor)
He comes to your home, identifies the problem, and you’re getting ready to hear what the damage will be, you’re preparing yourself for the question…
…How Much Will It Cost To Repair The Furnace?
Here’s the deal: The amount of money you shell out for furnace repairs to bring your furnace back to working order depends on a variety of different factors.
However, based on national statistics, and working on the assumption, you’re dealing with a reputable HVAC service, the average cost of a furnace repair visit runs in the range of $250 to $300.
Of course, this is an average. On the flip side, what if you (and your furnace) are suffering from some seriously bad luck?
And because of this “Bad Luck,” you’re dealing with issues far more significant than those which cost the above “$250-$300?”
That leads us to the question…
…Are There Issues That Affect The Cost of Furnace Repair? And What Are They?
Let’s get the answer to the first question out of the way, which was – Are there issues that affect the cost of furnace repair?
The answer… Most definitely! That leads us to the second question, which is – What are those issues which impact furnace repair costs?
This answer (unlike the first) will require more than a quick two words. First, it’s no secret all furnaces are NOT the same.
The manufacturer, model, and expect furnace service time, are going to contribute to the likelihood of your furnace breaking down.
Furthermore, different replacement parts from different manufacturers can play a significant contributing factor to the overall furnace repair costs.
Also, an often overlooked point to consider is who installed your current furnace and did they do a quality installation job?
The problem here is you likely don’t (and won’t) have the answers to the questions above since few people other than actual HVAC contractors would know details like these.
But that leads me to identify what I believe is a better question for you to consider…
…What Are The Furnace Repair Cost Factors… WHICH I CAN
POTENTIALLY CONTROL?
1. Furnace Warranty
The good thing about such crucial items in the home is that they come with a warranty. If your furnace does fail while it is still under warranty, then the cost of repair may actually be negligible.
Conversely, out of warranty furnace repair costs can, in some cases, be significant.
Recommendation: When investing in a new furnace, review the warranty options closely. Also, consider upgrading to an enhanced or extended warranty package if one is available.
2. Furnace Age
All mechanical devices experience wear and tear over time. It’s just a natural process that impacts all material things. It wastes away until the point where a replacement is the only option.
Similarly, the number of years the furnace has been in use will be a large contributing factor for a potential breakdown.
An older unit has a much higher likelihood of breaking down when compared to a newer furnace.
Recommendation: Unfortunately, we can’t stop wear and tear from occurring entirely. But we can improve the longevity of a furnace with regular maintenance, which you can discuss with your local HVAC service provider.
3. Furnace Size
As mentioned earlier, different houses will require a different size furnace depending on levels and square footage.
The cost of repair for a larger furnace will obviously be more when compared to the cost required to fix a smaller furnace.
Recommendation: Unfortunately, I don’t have one for you this time. It’s just something to keep in mind.
4. The HVAC Contractor You Work With
Although an often overlooked factor, the furnace installation contractor you hire could potentially impact repair costs later down the road.
How? Well, like anything in life, all Furnace and HVAC service providers are not created equal. Low quality work and shoddy installation, can lead to potential problems appearing far sooner than if you hired a high-quality HVAC service technician.
Recommendation: Complete some due-diligence before hiring an HVAC contractor. Check them out online, read their reviews, ask some friends you trust who they would recommend. All of these seemingly small steps can impact furnace repair costs later down the road.
What Are The Most Common Parts Which Cause a Furnace To Require Repairs?
A furnace is mechanical, and once you add in heat, things can go bad real fast. However, it should be noted that furnaces are built to withstand high temperatures and also operate for a long time under those conditions. However, sometimes, a furnace part still just feels like giving up.
Moreover, a furnace may have 50 components or more. A higher number of parts means a higher likelihood of a breakdown. Here is a list of the most common furnace components that are most likely to fail.
1. Thermostat.
In the case of furnace failure, your thermostat should be your first point to check.
It would surprise you how many furnace problems are the results of the furnace failing to function, simply because it can’t communicate with the thermostat.
The first reason your thermostat may fail to communicate with the furnace is because of batteries. For the models where the thermostat relies on batteries, sometimes a quick battery replacement is all that is needed.
A good rule of thumb is to change your batteries every six months to avoid instances like the ones I’ve outlined above. In other cases, it could be that your thermostat has reached the end of its life and has decided to go to thermostat heaven.
In some cases, a replacement may only cost you as little $30-$50
2. Ignitors and Flame Sensors.
Depending on the type of furnace you have, your model could come with ignitors and flame sensors. The job of an ignitor is to light up the gas coming from the gas valve, thus heating up the air.
The flame sensor is more of a safety device. Its job is to confirm that there is a flame when the gas valve has been opened.
Ignitors tend to get dirty over time, and they do require cleaning once in a while to keep them operational. If not maintained, they can cost between $300 to $400 to repair.
Flame sensors also tend to malfunction when enough dirt or grime accumulates on them. These are, however, easier to deal with. A good cleaning will return them to proper working order.
3. Furnace motors.
These are responsible for sending hot air through the vents into the rooms and compartment.
There are two types; draft inducers and blower motors. Draft inducers are manufacturer specific and, in the case of emergency, might be slower to replace as the technician will have to get the right part.
A blower is much easier to deal with. These blowers work based on how much horsepower they can put out. This makes emergency replacements a much faster process.
Here is a list of some of the most common furnace components and their repair costs based on national averages.
- Draft Inducer Replacement: ranges from $150 to $400.
- Heat exchanger repair: For simple repairs, $100 (replacements cost $500 to $1300).
- Flame sensor repair: ranges from $80 to $250.
- Blower motor repair: Ranges from $100 to $150 (replacements will cost $450).
- Circuit board/pressure sensor repair and replacement: $40 to $350.
In Summary:
The average cost of furnace repair in 2020 will depend on your location, your furnace, and the specific problem your furnace is experiencing.
We recommend you bookmark, print and save this article as a reference in the event your furnace finds itself in need of repair services.
With this article, you’ll at least have an idea and a guide to understand the furnace repair process, and the potential costs associated with it, as you select and work with the furnace repair contractor you choose.
Are You Local and You’re Experiencing Furnace Problem?
If you reside in Burford, Brantford, Brant County or the surrounding area and you’re looking for a trustworthy, reliable, and affordable furnace repair service, we invite you to contact us here at Burford Heating and AC.
Call us today at 519-449-2810 or schedule a service request call by clicking the button below.
