Do you need a heater repair and wonder how the cost of it is determined? You are likely not alone. Fixing a heater isn’t on most homeowners’ lists of favorite expenditures.
According to Angi, the average cost of heater repair (in 2024 dollars) is $316, but it can range as high as $1,400.1. Repair calls often involve common parts. Nonetheless, not every repair costs the same, even if it’s similar to another. Whether you need a furnace fixed or a heat pump repaired (which, according to HomeAdvisor, averages $405 but can go as high as $5,000)2, you may wonder how your repair bill is calculated.
Determining the Cost of Heater Repair
Numerous variables influence what you’ll pay to have your heating system fixed. These are the most significant factors:
The Cost of Parts
The cost of parts seems to go up all the time. And, the older your heater, the more it typically costs to acquire a replacement part. If you need a new part or component, a contractor can often obtain one at wholesale prices. Although it’s not the only factor in the cost of heater repair, here’s a look at common replacement parts and typical prices:
- Blower Motor: $150 to $2,000
- Draft Inducer Motor: $200 to $1,500
- Heat Exchanger: $100 to $1,500
- Coils: $600 to $2,000
- Thermostat: $100 to $600
- Circuit Board: $200 to $600
- Flame Sensor: $150 to $250
- Ignitor: $150 to $500
- Transformer: $100 to $175
- Relay Switch: $150 to $300
- Burner: $150 to $450
- Filter: Up to $352
As you can see, some heater repairs are more expensive than others. A few, especially those involving small parts, may not cost that much at all for the equipment.
The more complex repairs can vary in cost depending on the scope of service. For example, blower or draft inducer motor replacement is perhaps the most costly heater repair. Condenser replacement is on the high end, but it doesn’t always involve replacing the entire unit. This means you could spend less than $200 to have a blockage or obstruction cleared from the outdoor unit, or as little as $150 to have a new capacitor, line drier, or fan blade installed.2
Hourly Labor Charges
HVAC repair contractors determine labor rates. If only a small, inexpensive part is needed, the majority of your bill may be for labor (although many contractors set a minimum rate for such small repairs). For larger repair jobs, heater repair can range from $50 to $150 per hour). These repairs can take several hours to complete. Still, difficult and more time-consuming tasks are less costly for a professional to do than to attempt a DIY fix.
Emergency Repairs
An HVAC repair contractor typically charges more to come out during off-hours. While they can send a technician to fix your furnace in the middle of the night, the service rate can be two to three times higher than during regular hours. Therefore, timing has a significant effect on the cost of heating repair.
Warranty Coverage
If your heater isn’t that old and needs a repair, it may still be under warranty. Coverage varies from one warranty to another. Depending on the contract, it may cover just certain replacement parts or issues. Standard HVAC warranties generally exclude labor and may not cover the heat exchanger or compressor. However, an extended warranty can provide a wider range of coverage.
Whether You Get Annual Heater Maintenance
Your local heating repair company may not charge more because you skipped maintenance. However, the warranty may not cover any repairs related to poor maintenance, or it may be voided altogether. Furnace maintenance generally costs about $80 to $100 for an inspection and $125 to $200 for a full tune-up.1 These services prevent wear and tear, major issues, and breakdowns that’ll leave you with a much more expensive repair bill.
Where You Live
The cost of living in your area can affect what a company charges. Heater repair costs vary greatly from one city to another. For example, you probably won’t pay more than $1,000 to have a furnace fixed in Aurora, IL; Sioux Falls, SD; Portland, ME; or Augusta, GA. However, you’re likely to pay more if you live in Houston, TX; Cleveland, OH; or Los Angeles, CA.1
Call the Whale for Affordable Heater Repair
Repairing a heating system requires professional training and expertise. At Call the Whale, we can repair furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and mini-splits from most major brands. Check back often for coupons to save. We also offer complete maintenance services to help reduce the incidence and cost of heater repair. To learn more or request service, contact us today..
Sources:
https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-common-furnace-repair-cost.htm
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/repair-a-heat-pump/
