How much does it cost to replace a home furnace

Q: Can you replace the furnace only?

Back to the question can I just replace my furnace?” Now that you know there are three individual units, the furnace, the indoor coil, and the outdoor coil, you should know that any of those components can be changed out one at a time.

A furnace is one of your home’s largest and most important systems. Not only does it keep you warm in the cold months, but it protects your home’s pipes from freezing in cold weather as well and keeps your home climate controlled year-round, which can help reduce issues like mold and mildew growth.

Table of Contents Show

Do Furnace Repair Costs Vary by Type?
Furnace Repair Cost Breakdown
Furnace Parts and Their Prices
Annual Furnace Maintenance Costs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do furnaces usually last?
Is it worth it to replace a furnace?
What is the most expensive part of a furnace?
Should I replace a 40 year old furnace?
Is it worth getting a new furnace?
Can you replace the furnace only?
How many years does a furnace last?

But like anything, a furnace needs regular maintenance – and sometimes even repairs – in order for it to function at its best. In this article, we’ll break down all of the expenses you might incur as part of your home’s furnace system: the furnace repair cost and how much you can expect for a typical service call.

Repairing or replacing your furnace isn’t an issue that’s likely to come up very often. After all, a properly maintained furnace can last as long as 15 to 20 years. How can you tell if it’s time to repair or replace your furnace? There are a few signs to look out for:

Your furnace no longer provides adequate heat
Your furnace emits strong odors like burning plastic or rotten eggs
Your furnace is making loud, buzzing or humming noises
Your utility bills have increased without another explanation

There are three main types of furnaces: electric, gas or propane and oil. In general, an electric furnace is the least expensive option, both for repairs and replacement.

The furnace repair cost you might pay will vary based on many different factors. But the table below shows an average of what you can expect to pay for a furnace repair.

Do Furnace Repair Costs Vary by Type?

There are three main types of furnaces, the biggest difference being the material used to generate heat: electric, gas or propane and oil. You’ll see some slight variances in the furnace repair cost for each type. Average furnace repair cost for an electric furnace ranges between $50 and $300. For oil or propane and gas-powered furnaces, you may have to pay a higher fee, with averages ranging from $300 to $1,200 for a furnace service cost.

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Furnace Repair Cost Breakdown

The biggest factor to consider if you’re wondering how much is a furnace visit, is the part that needs fixing or replacing. Below, we’ve provided a comprehensive breakdown of some of the most common furnace parts, along with what you can expect to pay for a service call for each part.

Furnace Parts and Their Prices

Blower motor: $150 to $450 for repairs and up to $2,000 for replacement. The blower motor is responsible for pushing air through the system’s ducts.

Heat exchange: $100 to $200 for repairs and up to $1,500 for replacement. This is the part that heats the air that blows through the system. Heat exchange disrepair can lead to a buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide in your home.

Circuit board: $75 to $200 for repairs and up to $600 for replacement. This is like the motherboard of the system; the component that makes everything happen. Circuit boards can be simple, but are often more complex in today’s “smart” systems.

Draft inducer motor: $200 to $500 for repairs and up to $1,500 for replacement. This is a fancy term for the fan that works with your blower motor to push warm air through your home.

Gas valve: $75 for simple repair and up between $200 and $600 for replacement. The gas valve is what allows the gas (or propane, if you have a propane-based system) to move into the unit.

Ignitor: $150 to $250 for replacement. The ignitor, the tiny part that creates the spark needed to heat the air being blown into the system, is the part that needs repair and/or replacement more than any other.

Annual Furnace Maintenance Costs

It’s always a good idea to keep your home’s furnace clean and well maintained. Many companies offer annual furnace cleaning and inspection, to the tune of about $100 to $300; not a huge expense considering how high the furnace repair cost can be in some cases.

Duct cleaning can add quite a bit to a furnace service call – as much as $250 to $500 – and some speculate that this expensive procedure isn’t even worth it when it comes to extending the lift of your system. Some services you can expect to have done at your furnace cleaning and inspection appointment include cleaning fans and other small parts, replacing the air filters and inspecting for and removing corrosion and soot.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do furnaces usually last?

With regular maintenance, a furnace can last as long as 15 to 20 years. While it’s usually cost effective to repair a furnace when possible, it’s important to know when to let go as well: pushing a furnace too far past its expiration date will cause inefficient performance, which will lead to higher utility bills and a less comfortable home. What’s more, eventually the furnace will stop working, leaving you in the cold.

Is it worth it to replace a furnace?

When a furnace has come to the end of its useful life, it’s always worth it to replace it. A furnace doesn’t just keep you comfortable in your home: it also prevents things like frozen pipes, which can destroy your home. A furnace is an essential part of a home.

What is the most expensive part of a furnace?

It’s no doubt that some home systems can be quite expensive to replace, and a furnace is no exception. The three most expensive parts on a furnace are the blower motor, the circuit board and the draft inducer motor.

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Should I replace a 40 year old furnace?

Most furnaces have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. However, this doesn't mean you can wait that long to replace yours. After about 15 years or so, you may need to consider a furnace replacement if your unit has been experiencing significant problems and requiring frequent repairs.

Is it worth getting a new furnace?

With the increased comfort & reliability of a new furnace, as well as the monthly energy savings, you'll be getting money's worth for a minimum 15-20 years when you install a new furnace.

Can you replace the furnace only?

Back to the question “can I just replace my furnace?” Now that you know there are three individual units, the furnace, the indoor coil, and the outdoor coil, you should know that any of those components can be changed out one at a time.

How many years does a furnace last?

THE AVERAGE FURNACE LIFESPAN A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.