How much does furnace repair cost?

Furnace repair costs

Furnace repair costs $125 to $480 on average. Furnace service costs $75 to $150 per hour, plus parts. Oil or gas furnace repairs cost $100 to $480 on average to fix. Electric furnace repairs cost $100 to $380 on average. Exact costs depend on the brand, size, condition, and warranty.

*Prices include materials & labor.

Average cost to repair a furnace

The following table shows the average cost to repair a furnace:

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Furnace repair cost by service

Furnace service costs depend on the furnace type, brand, condition, efficiency, warranty, parts required, and labor costs.

• Most furnace warranties cover parts for 5 to 10 years, but not labor.
• Original manufacturer parts (OEM) cost more than universal parts.
• Parts and labor for high-efficiency, two-stage systems cost more than single-stage units.

Furnace fan blower motor replacement

A furnace blower motor replacement costs $300 to $900 on average. The blower motor part alone costs $200 to $400. Variable-speed blower motors cost more than standard models. The blower motor pushes heated are through the ducts.

• Replacing a furnace capacitor costs $100 to $250 on average for this part alone that powers the blower motor.
• When installing a whole new blower motor assembly, a new capacitor is included.

Furnace heat exchanger repair estimate

A heat exchanger replacement costs $1,000 to $3,000 on average, depending on the furnace size, age, and brand. Most HVAC technicians replace heat exchangers instead of repairing them due to possible carbon monoxide leaks.

Furnace gas valve replacement

A furnace gas valve replacement costs $200 to $800 on average. Furnace gas valve prices are $75 to $300 for the part only or up to $600 for original manufacturer parts (OEM). A properly functioning gas valve is essential to prevent gas leaks and maintain indoor temperatures.

Furnace circuit or control board replacement

A furnace control board replacement costs $300 to $650 on average, depending on the brand, type, and installation complexity. A new furnace control board costs $50 to $300 for the part alone. The furnace control board powers and regulates all heating functions.

Furnace transformer replacement cost

A furnace transformer replacement costs $100 to $250 on average. The furnace transformer part alone costs $10 to $45. The HVAC transformer regulates the unit's electricity voltage to stop damaging power surges. A transformer failure shuts down power to the furnace.

Cost to replace thermocouple on furnace

The cost to replace a thermocouple on a furnace is $100 to $300 on average. The thermocouple part alone costs $10 to $20. This safety mechanism closes the gas line when the pilot light is off.

Furnace flue pipe replacement cost

A standard furnace flue pipe replacement costs $300 to $700, depending on the length, material, and accessibility. Installing a new stainless-steel chimney liner costs $900 to $3,800. The flue pipe vents the furnace’s combustion fumes outside.

• Full HVAC-system air duct and vent cleaning costs $300 to $700
• Gas and propane furnaces vent through PVC pipes or metal ducts.
• Oil furnaces connect to chimneys and require stainless steel vents or flues.
• Electric furnaces don’t need vents since they don’t produce fumes.

Furnace short-cycling repair cost

Furnace short-cycling repair costs $100 to $400 on average. Short-cycling happens when the furnace shuts off too quickly before reaching its thermostat setting. Common fixes include replacing the flame sensor, circuit board, or thermostat.

Other causes include:

• Clogged air filters
• Blocked heat grates, exhaust fan, or vent
• Oversized furnace
• Damaged fan-limit switch
• Ignitor or flame-sensor failure
• Dirty or faulty blower-motor wheel

Draft inducer motor replacement cost

Replacing a furnace inducer motor costs $400 to $1,100, depending on the brand, motor type, and size. The draft inducer removes combustion gases by pushing leftover gases outside through the vent pipe.

Furnace ignitor replacement

A furnace ignitor replacement costs $100 to $250 on average. A furnace ignitor part costs $20 to $50 alone. Total costs depend on the brand and if the ignitor wiring and mounting brackets also need replacing.

Furnace coil replacement rates

A furnace coil replacement costs $650 to $4,200 for combination HVAC systems with an AC unit and furnace. The coil resides in the air handler and cools air in the summer. The same air handler blows heated air from the furnace into the ductwork in winter.

• An AC condenser replacement costs $1,200 to $4,200.
• An AC evaporator coil replacement costs $650 to $2,400.

Furnace combustion chamber replacement cost

A gas or oil furnace combustion chamber replacement costs $200 to $600 on average. A combustion chamber for a furnace costs $50 to $200 for the part alone. The combustion chamber keeps all burner flames safely inside. A cracked chamber leaks poisonous fumes and creates fire hazards.

Furnace flame sensor replacement cost

A flame sensor replacement costs $80 to $250 on average. The flame sensor is a safety device that shuts down the furnace if no flames appear while the gas is on. HVAC technicians clean this part during the annual tune-up and often replace it when installing a new ignitor.

Cost to replace the heating element in furnace

Replacing the heating element in an electric furnace costs $125 to $400 per coil on average, depending on the brand and size.

• Most electric furnaces have up to 2 to 5 heating-element coils.
• Non-electric furnaces don’t use heating elements.
• Heating elements are also known as “resistance coils.”

Cost to replace a limit switch on a furnace

The cost to replace a limit switch on a furnace is $100 to $375 on average. The fan-limit switch has sensors that shut off the blower motor when it overheats. The blower runs continuously if the safety-limit switch breaks, destroying the motor.

Furnace fan-relay switch cost

A furnace relay-switch replacement costs $100 to $300 on average. The relay switch controls the furnace’s blower motor and regulates the temperature with the thermostat. A failed fan-relay switch makes the furnace impossible to turn on.

Furnace thermostat replacement

A furnace thermostat replacement costs $190 to $480 on average. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat reduces energy bills by 10% to 30%.

Cost to fix a leaking furnace

The cost to fix a leaking furnace is $100 to $400 on average, depending on if technicians clean furnace parts or replace them. Typical leak causes on high-efficiency furnaces are clogged condensation parts like drain lines or pumps.

Standard-efficiency furnaces rarely leak, but HVAC parts connected to them can:

• A whole-house humidifier repair costs $70 to $400.
• A water heater replacement costs $600 to $1,800.
• Other common leaking parts include the evaporator coil and flue pipe.

Return to top

Annual furnace service costs

A furnace inspection and tune-up service costs $70 to $200 on average. A well-maintained furnace has the lowest repair costs and lasts the longest.

*Including an inspection, tune-up, cleaning, & minor repairs

Furnace service call cost per hour

A furnace service call costs $75 to $150 per hour, not including parts. An Emergency HVAC service costs $140 to $210 per hour for after-hours, weekends, holidays, or hard-to-reach furnace locations.

• Contractors in metropolitan areas charge more than pros in rural areas.
• Master HVAC technicians with 5+ years of experience and multiple certifications charge more for labor.
• Service fees go up during cold weather due to high demand.

Furnace filter replacement cost

Furnace filter replacement costs $100 to $175 total. The average cost of furnace filters alone is $10 to $70+, depending on the brand, size, and if purchased as a single unit or in a pack.

• New filters are typically part of an annual furnace tune-up or duct cleaning.
• Replacing furnace filters is DIY-friendly.
• Change filters every 1 to 3 months.
• Reusable filters are the most cost-efficient.

Furnace cleaning

Furnace cleaning costs $70 to $300 on average, depending on the furnace size, fuel type, time since last service, and maintenance requirements. A full home air duct cleaning costs $300 to $700 extra. Most HVAC technicians offer discounts for a combined cleaning of the furnace and all air ducts.

Furnace tune-up and inspection

A furnace tune-up costs $70 to $200 on average, which includes an inspection and basic cleaning of the sensors, burners, and main surfaces. Annual furnace maintenance costs $150 to $500 for an inspection, tune-up, simple repairs, and discounted priority service.

Return to top

Cost to fix a furnace by fuel type

The cost to fix a furnace ranges from $100 to $1,100, depending on the fuel source, job complexity, and the part replacements included.

*Prices include materials and labor.

Gas furnace service and repair rates

The cost to service a gas or propane furnace is $100 to $550 on average. Total gas furnace repair costs depend on the unit’s age and maintenance frequency.

• A gas furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,200.
• A propane furnace costs $2,200 to $5,700 to replace.

Common repairs include:

• Replacing the fan-blower or draft-inducer motor assemblies
• Fixing faulty gas valves
• Installing new controls like the circuit board, thermostat, limit-switch, or relay
• Replacing the thermocouple or flame sensor
• Cleaning out the flue pipe, vents, ignitor, or burner
• Replacing air filters
• Installing a new combustion chamber
• Fuel-tank maintenance (for propane systems)

Oil furnace service cost

An oil heater service costs $120 to $600 on average. The average cost to repair or clean an oil furnace depends on the unit’s condition and accessibility.

• An oil furnace replacement costs $2,500 to $6,000.
• An oil tank replacement costs $1,000 to $6,200.

Common repairs include:

• Thermostat replacement
• Cleaning clogged oil lines underground
• Changing air filters
• Cleaning burner parts
• Replacing the flame sensor
• Replacing blower motor & fan assembly
• Installing a new draft-inducer motor
• Switching out the heat exchanger
• Installing new fan-relay switch
• Replacing limit-control switch
• Fixing the capacitor
• Replacing the circuit board
• Installing a new ignitor

Cost to fix an electric furnace

The cost to fix an electric furnace is $100 to $400 on average. While electric furnaces don’t have any combustion-related parts to repair, they need more wiring maintenance. Alternatively, an electric furnace replacement costs $1,900 to $5,600.

Common repairs include:

• Replacing heating elements
• Switching out failed circuits, wiring, or fuses
• Thermostat replacement
• Changing air filters
• Replacing blower motor
• Installing new fan-relay switch
• Replacing limit-control switch
• Fixing the capacitor
• Replacing the circuit board
• Installing a new transformer

Cost to repair heating system vs. furnace replacement

Most heating system repairs cost $100 to $600, while a new furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,400 on average. Replacing the furnace is typically best for units requiring frequent repairs or more than 20 years old.

Return to top

Frequently asked questions

How often to service a furnace?

A furnace needs servicing once a year or in both the spring and fall, depending on the unit’s age, furnace fuel type, climate, and usage frequency. Regular tune-ups to clean the air filters, burners, and pilot-light systems prevent sudden furnace failures.

What are the signs a furnace needs repair?

Signs that a furnace needs repairs include:

• Excessively slow heating output
• Warning from the carbon monoxide alarm
• Error code signal in blinking LED lights by the furnace compartment door
• Yellow pilot light instead of the usual blue color
• Abnormal noises and smells
• Ignition difficulties or failure to switch on
• Uneven home heating
• Increased energy bills
• Cracked furnace parts
• Dust or soot accumulation
• Debris coming from heating vents
• Only cool air from exhaust vents
• Furnace cycling on and off frequently
• Water puddles under the unit

How long does a furnace last?

A furnace lasts 15 to 30 years on average, depending on the brand, installation quality, fuel type, usage, and maintenance frequency.

Do I tip the furnace repair guy?

A furnace repair technician doesn’t expect a tip. Contractors appreciate a $10 to $20 tip for outstanding service. Those working for companies with a no-tipping policy prefer positive feedback sent to their manager or food and drinks.

How much does it cost to service an AC and furnace?

The cost to service an AC and furnace together depends on the total system size, accessibility, and if it’s a standalone service or part of an annual-service contract.

• An HVAC inspection costs $100 to $500.
• A furnace tune-up and AC service cost $70 to $200 per unit.

Does homeowners insurance cover furnace repair?

Homeowners insurance only covers furnace repair if the cause of damage is one of the accidental perils listed in the policy, such as theft or a house fire. Adding equipment-breakdown coverage to home insurance guarantees coverage for furnace and appliance repairs.

Getting free furnace repair estimates

When hiring a furnace repair company near you, be sure to:

• Compare at least three in-person estimates.
• Verify that the HVAC contractor has state and local licenses.
• Check for certifications from:
• NATE (North American Technician Excellence)
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
• HVAC Excellence
• National Propane Gas Association (NPGA)
• State-certified natural gas journeyman training programs in gas fittings
• Other local HVAC training programs
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Seek certified, insured, and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.
• Get a written furnace repair cost estimate and contract before work begins.
• Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
• Don’t pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan and save receipts.

Who to call for furnace repair

Call a licensed HVAC technician for furnace repair because only someone with their credentials has the experience and training needed. Certified HVAC repair providers are also available by contacting local home improvement stores.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been repairing furnaces, and which types do you work on?
• Can you list references from past jobs?
• Do you give free estimates, and if not, is the initial fee applied to my bill if I hire you?
• What do you charge for emergency work outside of normal business hours?
• Do you offer an annual maintenance plan, and how much does it cost?
• Will you also check my ducts, wiring, or thermostat connections?
• Can you test for carbon monoxide leaks with a combustion analyzer?
• Will you provide a labor or parts warranty, and what does it include?
• Are all labor, materials, and cleanup fees included in this estimate? What other costs may apply?
• How long will the work take?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:

Get free estimates