Furnace repair cost
Most furnace repairs cost $125 to $480, about $300 on average. Technicians charge $75 to $150 an hour plus parts. Major repairs like a heat exchanger or inducer motor cost $400 to $3,000.
Quick answer
$125 – $480typical furnace repair
Most furnace repairs cost $125 to $480. A flame sensor cleaning or swap can be as little as $80; a heat exchanger replacement reaches $3,000.
Furnace repair price list
| Part | Repair or replacement cost |
|---|---|
| Flame sensor | $80 – $250 |
| Igniter | $100 – $250 |
| Thermocouple | $100 – $300 |
| Transformer | $100 – $250 |
| Blower motor capacitor | $100 – $250 |
| Limit switch | $100 – $375 |
| Fan relay switch | $100 – $300 |
| Short-cycling repair | $100 – $400 |
| Leak repair | $100 – $400 |
| Heating element (electric, per coil) | $125 – $400 |
| Thermostat | $190 – $480 |
| Combustion chamber | $200 – $600 |
| Gas valve | $200 – $800 |
| Control board | $300 – $650 |
| Flue pipe | $300 – $700 |
| Blower motor | $300 – $900 (replacement $500 – $2,300) |
| Draft inducer motor | $400 – $1,100 |
| Chimney liner | $900 – $3,800 |
| Heat exchanger | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Cost by fuel type
| Fuel | Typical repair |
|---|---|
| Gas or propane | $100 – $480 |
| Oil | $100 – $480 |
| Electric | $100 – $380 |
Service and maintenance costs
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnosis | $75 – $200 |
| Hourly labor | $75 – $150 |
| Filter replacement (pro) | $100 – $175 |
| Cleaning | $70 – $300 |
| Tune-up and inspection | $70 – $200 |
| Annual maintenance plan | $150 – $450 |
Common problems and likely causes
- No heat, but the blower runs: dirty flame sensor, bad igniter, gas valve or pressure switch.
- Furnace short-cycles: clogged filter, dirty flame sensor, oversized furnace or limit switch.
- Loud humming or squealing: inducer or blower motor bearings.
- Yellow flame, soot or a carbon monoxide alarm: combustion or heat exchanger problem. Turn the furnace off, get everyone outside if the CO alarm sounds, and call for service.
Repair or replace?
If your furnace is over 15 years old and the repair costs more than a few hundred dollars, or the heat exchanger is cracked, compare with Furnace replacement cost ($3,500 to $7,500). See Should you repair or replace your HVAC system?.
How to get a fair quote
- Get at least three written quotes that list the brand, model number, size (tons or BTU) and efficiency rating.
- Ask whether the price includes permits, removal of the old unit, refrigerant, a new thermostat and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) instead of matching the old unit's size by default.
- Compare labor warranties (1 to 10 years) as well as the manufacturer's parts warranty, and register the equipment.
- Schedule non-urgent work in spring or fall, when contractors are less busy and more willing to discount.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a furnace?
About $125 to $480 on average, with most repairs around $300 including the service call.
What is the most common furnace repair?
Cleaning or replacing the flame sensor and replacing the igniter are among the most common, at $80 to $250.
Is a furnace repair worth it on a 20-year-old furnace?
Small repairs can be, but for major repairs on a 20-year-old furnace, replacement usually gives better value and safety.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your home, region, equipment and contractor, so get several written quotes. Heat & Air Costs is not an HVAC contractor; read our disclaimer.