A broken furnace can be frustrating. The repair cost depends on the specific issue. Just like car repairs, some furnace problems are complex and expensive to fix, while others are simpler and more affordable. To help you understand the factors that influence furnace repair costs, let's explore what those are:
- Factors that determine furnace repair cost
- Common furnace repairs in Denver
- How you can prevent furnace problems
Let’s start with the factors that can vary furnace repair cost.
Factors that determine furnace repair cost
The cost of a furnace repair varies depending on these factors:
- Service call charge: HVAC contractors charge a standard service call charge fee, which can vary depending on the company. Sometimes a contractor will waive the fee if they can fix the repair in the same visit.
- Hourly repair rate vs. fixed rate: Every contractor charges differently. Some contractors charge by the hour. Others charge a fixed rate that is determined by the pricing per job. It covers what needs repairing, regardless of how long the repair takes.
- Warranties: Some furnace parts are covered under manufacturer's warranty. Also, though less likely, some labor cost could be covered by the HVAC contractor who installed your furnace. You’ll want to contact them to see if anything is covered under warranty.
- Furnace age and condition: If your furnace is old, in a hard-to-reach space or in very poor condition, it is going to be more expensive to repair.
- Replacement parts: The cost to replace furnace components varies by type. Parts such as motor belts are typically on the lower end of the price range while larger, more complicated parts like a heat exchanger are usually more expensive.
5 common furnace repairs
Since we repair hundreds of furnaces a year in the Denver area, we’ve noticed these common furnace problems:
- Bad limit switches: If you have a bad limit switch, your furnace’s blower will run constantly, which will shorten the lifespan of the blower. An HVAC technician can quickly fix this problem.
- Faulty pilot light or ignition: Your pilot’s flame could be too low, the pilot’s orifice might be clogged or the thermocouple could be faulty or loose. You could also have an electrical problem with the ignition system. In addition to limiting the heat your furnace delivers to your home, these problems are also potentially dangerous. Make sure to have your HVAC person check your pilot light or ignition system during your annual furnace inspection.
- Bad thermostat: A thermostat problem can make the temperatures in your home fluctuate or cause your furnace to not deliver heat at all. Try checking your thermostat settings and replacing the batteries in your thermostat. If temperatures still fluctuate or you still don’t get any heat, contact a heating specialist.
- Flame sensors not working: Flame sensors detect heat from the burners, telling the furnace to continue releasing fuel. If your flame sensors are faulty, your system will shut down or cause fuel to be burned in an unsafe way. That’s a potential hazard for your family, so you’ll want to replace the flame sensors as soon as possible.
- Cracked heat exchanger: A heat exchanger is very costly to fix or replace and it may be worth considering buying a new furnace if it’s broken.
