When your furnace needs repair, turn to the local company that more of your neighbors in Elgin, IL, trust: Leith Heating and Cooling. Enjoy affordable, five-star service that keeps your home warm and cozy.
Why does it always seem like the furnace has a problem at the worst possible time? Whether on the coldest night of the winter or hours before guests arrive, the heating system always seems to need repair when it’s least convenient.
One of the first questions customers ask when they call us for help is, “How much does furnace repair cost?” Often, they searched “furnace help near me” before calling, trying to find the most affordable option. However, so many factors determine furnace repair costs that it’s difficult to provide an exact amount over the phone or online.
To help you get a better idea about what goes into determining the cost of fixing a furnace in Elgin, IL, and how you can keep your expenses in check, the Leith Heating and Cooling team put together this guide.
What Goes Into Furnace Repair Pricing
Heater malfunction repair expenses can range from less than $100 to over $1,000. Exact Elgin, IL, furnace repair costs depend on things like:
- The hourly HVAC service charges for the service call
- The cost of replacement parts—the most expensive parts include the draft inducer motor, blower motor, circuit board, and heat exchanger, all of which can potentially cost several thousand dollars to replace
- The complexity of the problem
- The type of furnace you have (electric furnaces cost less to repair than oil or gas)
- The charge for emergency services; you might pay more for repairs after hours, on the weekend, or on a holiday
As you can see, there isn’t a simple, one-size-fits-all answer to the question, ”How much does furnace repair cost?” The only way to get an accurate answer is to call a company and request an estimate. Many companies charge by the hour for their services, which significantly influences the final bill. For example, it might only take a few minutes to change an air filter, while repairing a heat exchanger can take hours and rack up the charges.
What To Expect With an Estimate
Most HVAC companies offer customers the option of getting a free estimate for furnace repairs. A technician will visit and investigate, make a diagnosis, and give you a cost breakdown, including parts, labor, service fees, and other charges. Keep in mind that you only receive an estimate, and the final bill could be higher or lower.
If the estimate is significantly more or less than you expected, you can (and should) get a second opinion when possible. Depending on the age of your furnace, it may be worth looking into the cost of a new furnace as well. The average furnace lasts about 15 years, so if your unit is older, it could be more cost effective to replace it than to spend a lot on repairs.
Can I Repair the Furnace Myself?
Fixing the furnace yourself might seem like a tempting option when you want to save money, but most experts don’t advise it. Not only is the work itself potentially dangerous, but if you don’t perform the work correctly, you could put your family in danger. Gas furnaces, in particular, require specialized knowledge to prevent the escape of harmful gasses into your home, not to mention the risk of electrical shocks or fire.
Hiring a professional and paying HVAC service charges ensures efficient, safe, and accurate repairs. Furnaces contain complex components, and if you don’t correctly diagnose the problem, you’ll waste time and money working on the wrong thing. DIY furnace repairs may also void any warranties on the equipment, as well as make it impossible to file an insurance claim if something goes wrong.
When To Call for Furnace Repairs
If the heat doesn’t turn on and your home continues to get colder, you need immediate service from a trained professional. You should also call a local service provider when you notice any of the following issues:
- Strange sounds coming from the furnace, like banging, rattling, or humming
- Strange odors, like a burning smell or rotten eggs
- Short-cycling
- Higher than normal utility bills
- Uneven heating throughout your home
The sooner you arrange for repairs, the better the chance that the answer to “How much does furnace repair cost?” won’t be an eye-popping sum. A malfunctioning furnace not only makes for an uncomfortable home, but you also face the possibility that plumbing pipes could freeze on an especially cold day, causing even more damage and the need for more expensive repairs.
How To Prevent Expensive Furnace Repairs
They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and while it might sound like a cliché when it comes to furnace maintenance, the saying is true. Heating system maintenance expenses cost significantly less than a major repair, and regular maintenance also offers priceless peace of mind that your heating system will remain in good condition. Most companies offer annual maintenance visits for a few hundred dollars, which, compared to the cost of fixing or replacing your furnace, is a small price to pay.
Get Affordable, Reliable Furnace Repairs From Leith Heating and Cooling
When Elgin, IL, homeowners need help with issues like a whistling furnace or lack of heat, they call Leith Heating and Cooling. Our award-winning, certified HVAC company stands ready to provide the fast, accurate, and budget-friendly heating and cooling services you need.
If it turns out you need a new furnace, we can help you choose the one that best meets your needs. We carry all major brands of heating equipment and offer access to simple and convenient financing options to help you cover the cost.
Call us today at (847) 565-1568 with questions or to make an appointment. Whether you just want to know “How much does furnace repair cost?” or have questions about maintenance and need to schedule service, you can call us at any time.
