Auburn, IN, homeowners often find themselves preoccupied with the performance of their heating systems, especially once the weather gets colder. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential furnace repair cost should something go wrong with your gas or electric furnace.
The thought of an unexpected breakdown can be stressful, especially when considering the high price tags associated with certain repairs. The question that lingers in the minds of many is: what is the most expensive part to fix on a furnace, and how can these costly repairs be avoided?
In this blog, T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc. explains the most expensive furnace components, the reasons behind their high repair costs, and proactive steps you can take to protect your investment and ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long.
Average Furnace Repair Cost
While furnace repairs can sometimes be costly, not all issues come with a hefty price tag. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for common furnace repairs. Furnace repair costs vary depending on the issue, replacement parts, and labor costs to fix the issue.
Most Expensive Furnace Repairs
While many furnace issues can be solved by repairing parts, sometimes the solution is to replace the part entirely. This is why some furnace repair costs are much higher than others—key components of the system are in need of replacement and cannot simply be repaired.
The most expensive repairs discussed below involve replacing these critical furnace parts. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to install a new furnace rather than replace these costly components.
Blower Motor
The blower motor’s job is to circulate warm air throughout the home. A malfunctioning motor can severely impact the furnace’s performance, making it a priority repair. While some issues can be fixed, such as replacing a bad bearing or wiring, if the blower motor is burnt out, replacement is the right solution.
The blower motor is typically the most expensive part to replace in a furnace. They are complex components that come in various sizes and power ratings to match different furnace models. The more powerful and advanced the motor, the higher the cost. Variable speed blowers also come at a higher cost.
Replacing a blower motor often requires significant disassembly of the furnace. This labor-intensive process can take several hours, increasing the overall cost due to the high labor charges.
Draft Inducer Motor
The draft inducer motor is responsible for pulling combustion gasses through the heat exchanger and venting them out of the furnace and your home. Many furnaces will not ignite unless the draft inducer motor is operating correctly. It signals the furnace that the venting system is functioning properly, allowing the ignition sequence to begin.
Because a draft inducer motor is built to withstand high temperatures and corrosive combustion byproducts, their specific design and materials make them more expensive than other standard motor components.
Accessing and replacing the draft inducer motor requires disassembling parts of the furnace, which adds to the overall labor costs.
Heat Exchanger
Heat exchangers are often cited as one of the most expensive parts to repair or replace in a natural gas furnace. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the combustion process to create the heated air that circulates through the home while keeping harmful combustion byproducts out of the air supply.
Over time, thermal stress, corrosion, overheating, and poor ventilation can lead to a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger is a dangerous issue because it can allow carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses to leak into your home.
This makes a cracked heat exchanger an urgent repair to ensure the safety and well-being of your household. Typically, the heat exchanger will need to be replaced. The furnace repair cost for this issue can vary for different furnace models.
Furnace Circuit Board
The furnace circuit board, also known as the control board or motherboard, is the brain of gas and electric furnaces. It manages and coordinates the various functions of the furnace to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. If it’s not working properly, neither will your heating system.
Circuit boards are complex electronic components that incorporate advanced technology to manage the furnace’s functions. The precision engineering and sophisticated design make them costly to manufacture.
Identifying a faulty circuit board can be challenging, as it involves ruling out other potential issues. Replacing a circuit board is not a simple task. It requires a skilled technician to diagnose the issue, remove the old board, and install and configure the new one. This process can be time-consuming, leading to higher labor costs.
Gas Valve
The primary role of the gas valve is to control the amount of natural gas or propane that enters the burner. It ensures the right amount of fuel is delivered for efficient combustion. Gas valves work in conjunction with the ignition system so that gas is only released when the furnace is ready to ignite, preventing gas buildup that could lead to explosions.
Diagnosing gas valve issues can be complex, as the symptoms may mimic other furnace problems. Thorough diagnostics are required to accurately identify and fix the issue, which adds to the overall repair cost.
Replacing a gas valve can be labor-intensive. Accessing it typically involves removing other parts of the furnace and carefully handling gas lines, which increases the labor charges.
Preventative Measures to Avoid High Furnace Repair Costs
To minimize the risk of facing these costly furnace repairs, homeowners in Auburn, IN, can take several preventative measures:
- Regular Maintenance: Annual furnace maintenance provides an opportunity to detect and address potential issues before they become major problems. During a maintenance visit, a professional technician will inspect and clean various components, ensuring that everything is functioning properly.
- Prompt Repairs: Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into more significant and expensive problems. Fixing minor issues early can make the difference between the part being repaired or requiring replacement.
- Quality Installation: Ensuring that your furnace is installed correctly from the start can prevent many issues. Poor installation can lead to a variety of problems down the line, so it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced HVAC contractor.
- Proper Use and Care: Simple actions, such as changing air filters regularly and ensuring that vents are not obstructed, can go a long way in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your furnace.
Annual furnace maintenance costs are much more affordable than a major furnace repair, so make sure routine maintenance is a priority.
Schedule Furnace Repairs With T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
At T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we specialize in comprehensive furnace repairs that prioritize both safety and performance. Our team of skilled technicians is equipped to diagnose and resolve any furnace issues promptly and efficiently. Whether you’re experiencing unusual noises, inconsistent heating, or suspect a more serious problem, our experts are here to help.Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a major repair. Contact us today to schedule a thorough inspection and ensure your furnace operates reliably throughout the season. Trust T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for expert furnace repairs in Auburn, IN, and rest assured your home will stay warm and comfortable when you need it most.
