Whether you live in a climate that demands a running furnace for several months of the year or just enjoy a toasty warm home, furnace issues and problems can be a major headache. If you're struggling with a furnace that doesn't always work, what can you expect to pay for diagnosis, repair, or replacement? How can you decide whether a particular furnace problem points to replacement instead of repair? Read on for some of the factors you'll want to consider when pricing out repairs on your home's furnace.
How Much Will Furnace Repairs Cost?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as repair costs can vary widely based on the cost of living in your area, the age of your furnace, the specific problems you're facing, and even the ease with which a repair person can access your furnace.
With this caveat, furnace repair costs are broken down into three components: a visit fee, the cost of parts, and the cost of labor. If a repair person visits your home, inspects your furnace, but can't find anything in need of repair, you'll be responsible for only the visit fee (unless it's waived). But if there is an issue, you'll then be quoted the cost of parts and labor to fix it.
These quotes are always subject to change. Often, when a repair person takes your furnace apart to fix it, he or she may discover additional problems that require attention before the initial repair is completed.
Because of this, it's always a good idea to get more than one quote on a prospective furnace repair. While this can sometimes mean paying a separate visit fee, this relatively low cost can be worthwhile if it saves you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on a repair that can be obtained at a lower cost elsewhere.
When Is Replacement the Better Option?
In some cases, the cost of repairing a furnace just isn't worth it. This tends to be more true with older, less energy-efficient models. Even if you can get these furnaces back into good working condition, they use more electricity or gas than newer models, costing you money.
If you're facing a furnace repair that's in the four figures, it's usually a good idea to at least price the cost of a new furnace. Between the improved energy efficiency and any rebates or tax credits that may be available, buying new (with a built-in warranty) can often be a more cost-effective solution than putting money into an older furnace that may not last many more winters.
Learn more about furnace repair from a company like Central York Corp today.
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