How Much Does a Heat Exchanger Replacement Cost?
Typical Range:
$1,000 - $2,000
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated March 14, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Replacing a heat exchanger typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 or $1,500 on average. A heat exchanger is a tube system inside the furnace combustion chamber that heats the air on its way to the ducts while keeping toxic exhaust out of the central air ducts.
Most heat exchangers come with a 10-to 20-year warranty, which usually only covers the exchanger price. You will need to pay extra for labor which runs between $400 to $600.
Heat Exchanger Replacement Cost Calculator
| National Average | $1,500 |
| Typical Range | $750 – $3,500 |
Estimating Heat Exchanger Replacement Costs
Your total costs to replace a heat exchanger depend on a few factors.
Main Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger part costs between $350 to $850 for the part, depending on the brand and the size of your furnace.
Secondary Heat Exchanger
Replacing a secondary heat exchanger costs $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the brand, material, and furnace capacity. The secondary heat exchanger part alone costs $300 to $800.
Some high-efficiency models use a secondary heat exchanger to reclaim the heat from the combustion gasses that normally vent to the outside.
Labor
Heat exchanger replacement labor costs $75 to $125 per hour to replace the exchanger. Depending on the furnace size, accessibility, and location, this process could take five to eight hours.
Labor often costs more than the part because the contractor must disassemble and then reassemble the entire furnace. If you're calling outside of regular business hours, you could pay $140 to $210 per hour for HVAC emergency service.
Permit
Expect to pay a fee of $150 if your state requires a permit.
While a permit ensures your pro abides by all necessary safety codes, obtaining one is not necessary for all municipalities. Be sure to call your local building code department to double-check.
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How Much Does It Cost to Heat Exchanger Replacement Yourself?
Replacing a heat exchanger is not a DIY project; it's a complex job that requires taking apart the furnace and then putting it back again. Any mistake can lead to dangerous consequences, namely leaking carbon monoxide to your home.
Always hire a trained and skilled HVAC professional to replace a heat exchanger. Failure to install can cause cracks and holes that can release deadly carbon monoxide to your home.
How Much Does It Cost to Heat Exchanger Replacement by Type?
You’ll spend $1,000 to $2,000 on average for a replacement heat exchanger depending on the type of furnace you have. However, this price can exceed $5,000 if you need a commercial heat exchanger.
Standard Furnace
Ribbon heat exchangers are much more affordable. Replacing a heat exchanger in a standard furnace costs $100 to $300 on average, depending on the boiler type and size.
High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace is more complex than a standard furnace, so replacement parts and labor cost more. Replacing a secondary heat exchanger costs $300 to $800.
Modern condensing furnaces have two heat exchangers that increase energy efficiency to use the heat produced completely.
Commercial Furnace
On average, industrial or commercial heat exchanger prices are $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the furnace type, size, and brand.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Replace Heat Exchanger?
The price to replace a heat exchanger depends on various factors such as the warranty, the size, and the age of your furnace:
The Warranty
Heat exchangers come with great warranties—usually 10 to 20 years. This covers the part always and labor for one year only. Depending on your warranty coverage, you could save between $500 to $2,000.
The Size
BTU capacity indicates furnace size. A heat exchanger for a larger furnace typically costs more.
The Age
The heat exchanger is one of the longest-lasting components, but once it goes, it's only a matter of time until other parts start failing. In many cases, installing new parts in an older furnace is more difficult and requires additional labor. If the furnace's age is more than 10 years old, consider installing a new furnace versus replacing the heat exchanger.
The Location
Replacing a heat exchanger on a furnace that is easy to access is difficult enough. When the furnace is in a hard-to-reach place in an attic or crawlspace, estimates might exceed the cost of a new furnace.
The Brand
Heat exchanger prices vary by manufacturer and brand.
| Lennox | $260 – $840 |
| Goodman/Amana | $260 – $860 |
| Rheem/Ruud | $290 – $800 |
| Heil/Quake | $320 – $860 |
| Carrier/Bryant | $350 – $800 |
| York | $470 – $800 |
FAQs About Heat Exchanger Replacement
How long do heat exchangers last?
Heat exchangers last between 10 to 20 years, depending on the furnace maintenance, parts' quality, and usage.
What are the signs of a bad heat exchanger?
Keep an eye for symptoms that the heat exchanger needs replacement such as:
Water on your floor
Rattling noises when the heat turns on
Corrosion, rust, or cracks on the furnace
Formaldehyde smell
If you notice any of these signs you must call a local HVAC professional ASAP.
What happens when a heat exchanger fails?
A heat exchanger failure means it cracks or develops cracks, which leak toxic gases like carbon monoxide into your home.
Can a furnace heat exchanger be repaired?
Unfortunately, you cannot repair heat exchangers. When a heat exchanger cracks or rusts, you must replace it.
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