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Furnace Repair Cost: Repair or Replace?

Most furnace repairs cost $349–$650, averaging $485 [1]. Whether a repair is worth it depends mostly on two things: how old the unit is, and how the repair compares to the price of a new one.

Should you repair or replace?

Enter what you know. The result updates as you go and uses the same published rules of thumb technicians and manufacturers use.

Other factors
Enter the unit's age and your repair quote to see a recommendation.

Common furnace repairs and what they cost

Installed prices, parts and labor [1].

Flame sensorRoutine fix

A dirty sensor makes the burners shut off seconds after lighting. Cleaning it is often enough.

$68–$127
IgnitorRoutine fix

The furnace clicks or the blower runs but the burners never light.

$96–$178
Limit switchRoutine fix

A safety switch that shuts the burners off if the furnace overheats — often tripped by a clogged filter.

$66–$122
ThermostatRoutine fix

Check batteries and settings first; a failed thermostat is a cheap fix.

$91–$169
BurnerRoutine fix

Cleaning or replacing burners that light unevenly or burn yellow instead of blue.

$87–$162
Control boardCompare with replacing

The furnace's circuit board. On an older unit, weigh it against replacement.

$390–$725
Blower motorCompare with replacing

No air from the vents even though the burners run. Variable-speed motors cost more.

$562–$1,045
Heat exchangerCompare with replacing

A crack can leak carbon monoxide and usually means replacing the furnace. If a CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911 or your gas utility.

$1,346–$2,673

How long furnaces last

Gas or propane furnace

Most last 15–20 years with routine maintenance like annual tune-ups (Fixr; Today's Homeowner). [2, 3]

Oil furnace

Often the longest-lived type — up to 25 years (Fixr); Today's Homeowner cites 15–25. [2, 3]

Electric furnace

Sources differ: 15–20 years (Today's Homeowner) to 20–30 with good maintenance (Fixr). [3, 2]

Not sure how old yours is? The manufacture date is usually encoded in the serial number on the unit's label — the manufacturer's website explains how to read it.

If you replace it: cost by fuel type

Installed price ranges from Fixr [2]. High-efficiency (condensing) units, fuel conversions, and new ductwork or venting push toward the top of each range. Fixr's national average is $4,800.

Electric
$1,800–$7,300
Natural gas
$3,800–$10,000
Propane
$3,700–$14,200
Oil
$6,700–$10,000
See full replacement costs by state →Got replacement quotes? Check them →

Sources

  1. Fixr — Furnace Repair Cost (updated 2025-08-29)
  2. Fixr — How Much Does a New Furnace Cost? (updated 2026-01-28)
  3. Today's Homeowner — When To Replace Your Furnace (updated 2025-05-21)

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