How Much Does Furnace Cleaning or Repair Cost?

Furnace Repair Costs by Part

Blower Motor

Simple blower motor repairs might run $150 to $450, while the cost to replace a complete blower motor could be up to $2,000 depending on the brand. This motor and fan, known as a squirrel cage fan, pushes the air through your ducts. Lack of regular cleaning leads to unbalanced or damaged blades.

Heat Exchangers

Heat exchanger repairs cost $100 to $200. The cost to replace a heat exchanger is about $500 to $1,500 depending on the brand. This component heats the air that the blower pushes through your home. Over time, cracks in the exchanger can result in carbon monoxide leaks. Keep a carbon monoxide detector in your furnace area.

Gas Valve Replacement

A furnace gas valve costs anywhere from $200 to $600 to replace. This part allows natural gas or propane to flow to your unit. It’s usually attached to the thermocouple for emergency cut off when necessary.

Control or Circuit Board Replacement

Replacing a furnace control board typically costs $200 to $600 or more depending on brand and age. It’s the main circuitry responsible for operating the components. High-efficiency models will cost close to $600 while simple, single-stage models may only run you $75 to $200, the price of a service call.

Draft Inducer Motor Replacement

A draft inducer motor costs $200 to $1,500 to repair or replace. A simple fan wheel might cost $20 in parts with another two hours in labor. Replacing the entire unit runs $600 to $1,500, depending on the model and brand.

Ignitor Replacement

An ignitor replacement costs $150 to $250 unless it happens in the middle of the night. After hours or emergency service fees can raise that to $300 to $500. This part fails more than any other. Regular maintenance keeps it clean and working longer.

Thermocouple Replacement

Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.

Furnace Coil Replacement

Replacing a furnace condenser or evaporator coil costs $600 to $2,000 or more. It’s not actually part of a furnace but part of the air conditioning system. However, part of it does reside in the main duct and uses the furnace blower and ductwork.

Flue Pipe Prices

A flue pipe costs $400 to $800 depending on accessibility and the overall length. The flue carries carbon monoxide and any leftover combustion gases out of your home.

Relay or High Limit Switch

Relay switches cost $150 to $300 to replace. They might cost $5 to $20 for the part alone with the rest in labor for the trip, diagnosis and replacement. This part allows electricity to flow to the various electrical components inside your unit.

Furnace Flame Sensor Replacement

To repair your furnace's flame sensor, expect to spend $75 to $250. It’s a thin metallic rod in front of the flame inside the unit used to detect a flame. If it doesn’t detect any flame, it turns the gas off. Cleaning this component as part of a yearly cleaning and tune up is critical to avoiding costly maintenance calls.

Oil Furnace Combustion Chambers

A molded ceramic fiber oil combustion chamber costs $200 to $600 to replace. The chamber itself runs anywhere from $100 to $200. Oil fires in the combustion chamber to produce heat for the furnace and to help use the oil efficiently.

Transformer Replacement

Replacing a transformer in a furnace costs $100 to $175. The part alone only runs $20 to $40 with labor making up the rest. The transformer converts incoming electrical power into lower usable volts.

Thermostat Replacement

Repairing a thermostat costs $100 to $300. Replacing it or upgrading it might run upwards of $600 for a newer smart style for a connected home. If you’re having issues with your furnace, check the thermostat first.

Oil, Electric & Gas Heater Repair Cost Estimates

Electric Furnace Repair Cost

Expect to spend less than $300 on your electric furnace repair, depending on the exact problem. Adding a new heating element runs $50 to $200 with a labor cost of $100 to $300.

Propane & Natural Gas Furnaces

Propane & natural gas furnace repairs cost between $300 to $1,200. Repairing this type of furnace can be more expensive than its electric alternative.

Oil Furnace Repairs

Repairing an oil furnace costs about the same as gas or propane, or about $300 to $1,200 depending on what’s wrong with it. They operate in much the same way as their gas counterpart and run into many of the same issues.

Furnace Tune-Up and Inspection Costs

If you need a furnace inspection, you’ll pay between $50 to $100. In some cases, you can purchase an annual inspection package when you install a new furnace. Inspections typically include reviewing the venting, duct, chimney and flue, motor, heat exchanger, AC coils, fuel line, and all internal parts.

If you need a tune-up, service calls typically have a minimum fee of $100 to $200 for about 1 to 2 hours of work. Labor rates vary by location, but you’ll typically spend between $75 to $125 per hour to hire an HVAC professional.

Furnace Cleaning Costs

To keep your furnace clean and in good working order, it’s important to regularly change and clean the filter. Costs for new filters range based on brand but tend to be around $10 to $30. The filter keeps dust and dirt from your furnace components and improves your air quality. Some annual inspections will include changing and cleaning this part of the unit. You should clean or replace your filter every month. Other routine cleaning tasks include cleaning fans, the cabinet interior, the flame sensor, and any exposed parts, and removing corrosion and soot from the ignitor.

DIY Repairs vs. Hiring a Furnace Repair Service

Furnace repairs are difficult to diagnose and fix and can be a major safety concern. It’s worth it to call a reliable professional who can evaluate the issue and recommend next steps. If you're unsure whether to repair or replace your furnace, or even where to begin, find a furnace pro who can help

FAQ

How long does a furnace last?

As long as they’re well-maintained, furnaces typically last somewhere between 15 and 30 years. Electric furnaces tend to last longer than gas furnaces. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to extend the life of your furnace.

Should I repair or replace my furnace?

The decision to repair or replace your furnace ultimately depends on several factors, including the age of your furnace, and any energy savings on new units that might offset installation costs. Installing a new furnace costs $4,000 on average. The cost to install a new gas furnace is slightly higher at $4,000 to $15,000 on average, while the cost to install an electric furnace is slightly lower at $1,600 to $6,900. If your furnace is over 15 years old, you should consider replacing rather than repairing it.

How do I know if I need to repair my furnace?

There are a few signs to watch out for that may indicate that your furnace is in need of repairs. First and foremost, if your furnace no longer provides adequate heat, that’s a clear sign that something’s not working as it should. Other warning signs include strong odors, loud noises, and higher-than-usual utility bills.

Where can I get free furnace repair estimates?

Check with a local furnace repair pro for free estimates.

How much do furnace repairs cost per hour?

You’ll pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour for repairs plus any materials and replacement parts.

How often should you have your furnace cleaned?

You should have your furnace inspected and cleaned every other year until they’re 10 years old, then every year after that. You should also:

• Change your filter once a month during the heating season.

• Clean the blower fan once a year.

• Check the air ducts for leaks and dirt annually.

• Clean the ignitor and flame sensors at least every other year.

How long does it take to clean a furnace?

Changing a filter should take only a few minutes for most people. For hard-to-reach filters, it might take 15 minutes.

Are annual furnace inspections really necessary?

To maximize the life of your furnace and avoid prematurely replacing parts, an annual inspection is necessary, especially once your system reaches 10 years old.

How much does it cost to service AC and furnace?

Servicing both an AC and a furnace at the same time generally doubles the average price of $250 to $500. However, it depends heavily on the types of services you’re having done.