Furnace Repair and Troubleshooting
New furnaces can be much more complicated than their older counterparts particularly
when it comes to furnace repair. Much like cars, the modern furnace is computer driven and a furnace repair (aka heater repair) isn’t as easy as it once was. A new furnace could have a problem with the igniter, flame sensor (thermocouple),
pressure switch, high limit switch, control board, blower motor, inducer fan, heat exchanger or one of its other dozens of furnace parts.
All of these parts make it increasingly difficult to troubleshoot furnace problems. The one bright spot (figuratively and literally) is that new furnaces usually come equipped with an LED light that will flash repair codes to help you identify the potential problem with your furnace. The LED light is usually located on the control panel and will flash a series of fast or slow lights to help identify a corresponding error code. Once you have determined the furnace problem, you have to determine if you want to do the furnace repair yourself or higher and HVAC professional.
Do It Yourself Furnace Repair
When it comes to a natural gas furnace (or oil furnace), attempting to do a furnace repair on your own can be a little scary. It can also be difficult getting the furnace repair parts. After all you are dealing with explosive natural gas, high voltage electricity and potentially dangerous carbon monoxide. As far as I know there really isn’t a furnace repair manual that easily walks you through all of the safety checks and precautions that you should follow when attempting a furnace repair on your own.
Attempting the furnace repair on you own may help you cut the repair cost down. If the repair involves a more extensive fix or specialized parts or tools you may need to call a professional. It may only require a blower repair or a burner repair but it could also be more serious and you may need a full new furnace installation.
Furnace Repair Cost
Many people wonder what a typical furnace repair cost might be, and the answer is, like so many things, it depends. It can depend on what is wrong with the furnace as well as what brand it is. Simple, less expensive repairs can include igniter and flame sensor repairs or replacements (usually around $80 – $150). More expensive repairs would include replacing a cracked heat exchanger or replacing the control panel ($500 – $1000). The brand of your furnace can also make a difference in the repair cost. See our reports on various furnace brands.
Furnace Replacement
As your furnace gets older you’ll have to weigh the repair cost with the furnace replacement cost. When it comes to furnace replacement make sure you consider both the upfront cost and the ongoing monthly cost to run the heater. High efficient furnaces cost more initially, but are cheaper in terms of monthly utility payments. Another thing to consider when replacing an HVAC system, is the age and condition of the air conditioning. It is usually much simpler to replace the air conditioning when doing a furnace replacement.
Regardless of your circumstances a furnace repair is always better than sitting in a cold house!