How Much Does It Cost To Service Or Repair A Boiler?

Boiler Repair Costs by Fuel Source

The cost to repair a boiler can vary based on the type of fuel the boiler uses and the extent of repairs or maintenance needed. Oil boilers can be the most expensive to repair at up to $500, while the cost to service a boiler fueled by gas typically maxes out at an average of $400.

Gas

Gas boiler repair costs $100 to $400 on average. Because gas boilers are the most common type, parts are more readily available and affordable when technicians need to replace them. However, consider replacing it with a new system if your gas boiler is more than 10 years old. Gas boilers cost around $3,300 to $8,500.

Common gas boiler problems include:

• Damaged transformers or igniters

• Damaged water circulation pump

• Expansion tank issues

• Issues with temperature, pressure, or gas regulator valves

• Broken fuel lines

• Malfunctioning heat exchanger

• Loose wiring connections

• Air in the system pipes

Electric

Electric boilers typically cost $200 to $450 to repair and have grown in popularity now that technology has made them more viable. Because they’re becoming more popular, parts and technicians are more available, meaning electric boilers are now less expensive to repair than in years past. 

If your technician recommends a new electric boiler, plan to spend around $1,500 to $6,500 in electric boiler installation costs. However, unless you have a small home in a moderate climate, a different type of boiler may be a better investment.

Common electric boiler problems include:

• No hot water

• Low pressure

• Inefficient circulating pump

• Electrical wiring issues

• Heat exchanger issues

• Malfunctioning thermostat

• Trapped air or clogs in radiators

• Water leaks

Oil

Oil boiler repairs cost around $200 to $500. Although oil boilers are no longer common, you can still find them in older homes in New England and scattered throughout some northern states. Oil boilers are still a viable and practical solution for rural and remote areas, so technicians can still track down parts easily.

Oil boilers are more energy-efficient than most boiler types, but oil boiler repair costs tend to be higher on average. If your technician recommends replacement, budget around $4,800 to $6,700 in oil boiler installation costs.

Common oil boiler problems include:

• Malfunctioning oil burners and transformers

• Heat exchanger cracks

• Clogged heating oil pump

• Clogged burner nozzles

• Corroded or clogged fuel pipes

• Loose wiring connections

• Damaged valves

• Air in the fuel line

• Issues with the chimney flue

Boiler Replacement Costs by Part

Boiler replacement costs for each part range from $10 to $800 for the part alone. Labor adds another $150 to $300. A technician will need to replace a few parts for most boiler repairs. A new part will typically save on costs in each case below and is safer than working with the existing, damaged, or worn-down part.

Repairing or replacing individual parts becomes less affordable when multiple parts break down simultaneously or your system is older and no longer efficient. If that's the case, it might be time to think about a new unit.

Zone Valve 

A zone valve is an integral part of the boiler system as it controls how much water or steam flows into each room of the house. A zone valve replacement costs about $200 to $500, including labor. 

Expansion Tank

Prices vary by the boiler type, but a boiler expansion tank replacement costs around $200 to $550, installed. The size of the boiler can also ultimately determine the cost.

Coil 

The cost to replace the coil can run from $500 to $1,000, including labor. However, depending on the nature of the problem, the technician may also need to replace the piping connections, valves, and gasket. This is common when the boiler has a clog in the coil from hard water minerals.

Circulating Pump

A circulating pump (also called a circulator pump) can be an expensive repair, from around $300 to $1,000, including labor. Brand, size, and speed all affect the overall cost. Replacing a faulty circulating pump is crucial because if your circulating pump isn’t working, your boiler will be creating hot water or steam for no reason.

Gas Valve

A gas valve replacement costs upwards of $1,100, including labor and depending on the project. The work involves shutting off natural gas to remove and reconnect lines, so a pro must handle this process for safety reasons.

Radiator Valve

A radiator valve is an essential part that controls how much hot water enters each radiator. You can buy one for $10 to $60 at a hardware store. But for a technician to diagnose the problem and install the replacement valve, you’re looking at a total bill of approximately $180 to $330. 

Fan

A technician will generally charge $200 to $500 to install a new boiler fan. Brand and size are the two largest factors affecting the cost.

Transformer

If you need to replace the transformer for your boiler, expect to pay around $180 to $500. Additional work, like rewiring or installing a new thermostat, can add to the cost.

Flue

Replacing the flue can vary in price, generally from around $300 to $700. The boiler type will affect the overall replacement cost:

• Oil boilers usually must connect to chimneys since they need stainless steel vents.

• Gas boilers give you more options for venting, including metal ducts and even PVC pipes.

• Electric boilers don't produce any fumes, so you won't need to install any vents. This is one of the key ways that electric boilers are more affordable for boiler repair costs.

Average Boiler Repair Costs by Problem

While labor costs for boiler repairs generally range from $150 to $300 as a flat fee or $75 to $125 per hour as an hourly fee, the overall project can vary in cost depending on the problem, the materials required to fix it, and how long the repair work takes.

Boiler Service Cost Factors

In addition to repairs, you should budget for various boiler service needs throughout the life of your boiler, including tune-ups, regular cleaning, and flushing.

Repairs vs. Tune-Ups

Regular maintenance and cleaning, often called a tune-up, keep your boiler running efficiently and allow technicians to inspect for any potential issues. A boiler tune-up costs around $400 to $500, while repairs cost $150 to $1,000 or more. Boiler tune-ups catch minor problems before they become major issues. 

Most pros charge a flat rate for regular maintenance calls and often offer annual service plans. Repairs usually start with a flat "callout" fee of $150 to $300 plus hourly rates. Most pros charge an average of $75 to $125 per hour plus materials. It's always a good idea to check with several boiler repair companies to compare prices and timelines.

Actual repair rates vary depending on the:

• Nature of the problem

• Geographic location

• Seasonal demand

• Appointment timing

• Boiler type

Gas and Oil Boiler Cleaning 

Gas and oil boiler cleaning costs around $150 and $500, respectively, as part of an overall service.Left uncleaned, a boiler can turn a crucial HVAC appliance to an unreliable and potentially dangerous unit in your home.

Regular cleaning and tune-ups ensure that no minerals build up and the system runs reliably. Hire a local HVAC contractor to clean your boiler at least once a year, ideally during the spring. Colder climates might benefit from two cleanings a year.

Flushing

Flushing removes sediment and minerals that build up in the boiler and the lines, which can harm the tank and cause overheating and corrosion. Boiler flushing costs anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on the boiler size and the length of pipes running through your home. Annual service contracts often include this as an option.

Boiler Maintenance Costs by Level of Service

A basic boiler inspection runs from around $100 to $300 but doesn't cover much. You're much better off paying for an annual boiler service, which includes an inspection and even some parts replacement. Take a look below at how prices can vary depending on the level of boiler service.

Boiler Inspection Cost

Boiler inspections cost about $100 to $300. Some HVAC pros include inspections during service and cleaning appointments. Even if you tackle DIY boiler maintenance on your own, it’s still a good idea to get a yearly inspection.

Boiler Maintenance Cost

If your technician discovers an issue during the inspection—or if you need to call a technician outside of your annual service because you've noticed a problem—expect to pay around $75 to $125 per hour plus materials for any boiler maintenance costs.

Typical maintenance activities include:

• Cleaning and repairing blocked vents and flues

• Checking water levels

• Fixing any small gas, fuel, or water leaks around the unit

• Descaling hard water to improve efficiency and reduce attrition

• Flushing water from the product to clean and maintain its efficiency

Annual Boiler Service Cost

While you’ll pay about $200 to $500 for an annual boiler service contract, this is the most comprehensive and cost-effective package you can get for your boiler in the long run. This is because some service contracts include basic parts replacement.

You might save a little money by scheduling in the off-season or midway through winter or early spring. Some companies offer yearly contracts that include annual maintenance activities.

Your annual service or tune-up includes most of the following:

• Inspecting for leaks

• Noting the pressure

• Checking the thermostat

• Inspecting the heat anticipator, pump operation, zone valves, damper, and pressure relief

• Cleaning and inspecting the burners, pilot assembly, pilot orifice, and the sensor

• Inspecting for corrosion or leaks

• Inspecting and replacing the thermocouple as needed

• Checking the flame signal, gas pressure, combustion motor, and pressure switch

• Checking the gas pressure

• Checking the combustion motor and pressure switch

• Cleaning the cabinet and wiping down all the equipment

• Running a complete test to make sure everything functions in each zone

Fixed Price Boiler Repair

While some pros charge hourly, others charge fixed rates for many common boiler repairs. Fixed rates for boiler repair costs range from around $200 to $1,000 or more. Pros figure flat rates based on:

• Overhead

• Time required to complete the job

• Materials

DIY vs. Hiring a Boiler Repair Pro

A pro should almost always tackle complex boiler repair work and even routine maintenance and inspections. Someone without a specific background in boilers won’t know the telltale signs of small problems that could quickly evolve into bigger, costlier ones. And even small mistakes can lead to potentially dangerous situations, regardless of whether the boiler is powered by gas, electricity, or oil.

This is why you should hire a boiler repair pro near you for boiler maintenance and repair. It's more than just ideal for your safety; professional maintenance work can increase the longevity of your boiler.

FAQs

How often should you have your boiler serviced?

You should have your boiler serviced every year after the heating season ends. For the first three to six years, you can get away with servicing it every other year. But the more often you service it, the more efficient the boiler will run and the longer it'll last.

What does a boiler service include?

A boiler service includes a long list of inspections, cleaning, and testing. You'll want to check to see if it contains a complete system flush.

How long does it take for a boiler to be serviced?

A boiler service takes about 45 to 90 minutes. If the technician uncovers more complex issues, the project may last several hours, and they may need to purchase or special-order replacement parts.

How do I know if my boiler expansion tank is bad?

To find out if your expansion tank is bad, hire an HVAC pro for an inspection. But you can do a couple of tests yourself first:

• Tap the tank. It should sound hollow near the top and solid near the bottom.

• Check the pressure gauge. The gauge should show some pressure built in the system.

• Check your pressure relief valve. If it’s leaking, you need to hire an HVAC pro.

How does a boiler expansion tank work?

As water heats, it expands and takes up more room. A boiler expansion tank works by giving the expanded water a place to go.

What is a zone control valve?

A zone control valve is a type of valve used to control water flow from your boiler to different zones of your home. This improves the efficiency of the system and allows separate temperature zones.