When you suffer a furnace breakdown in the middle of winter, fixing it is an absolute necessity. In certain circumstances, you’ll be faced with the difficult decision between furnace repair and replacement.

Some of the more common parts that fail in older furnaces are so expensive it may not be worth the money to fix them. Instead of repairing these parts you would benefit from purchasing a new unit and avoiding the expensive process of furnace repairs. If your furnace is 10-15 years old, the increased efficiency and manufacturer rebates may offer enough short and long-term savings to warrant an upgrade.

We at HAMCO will outline some of the most expensive furnace repairs that you may run in to so that you can be prepared if you’re ever faced with them.

Note: Before you consider replacement, it’s always a good idea to ensure the repair isn’t covered by your warranty or protection plan. Consult a HAMCO professional for assistance.

Heat Exchanger Cracks

A cracked heat exchanger has the potential to release harmful gasses, like carbon monoxide, into your home. Although this is not always the case, it is still something that must be replaced immediately and can warrant the replacement of the entire furnace. Depending on the make and model of your furnace, replacing a cracked heat exchanger can cost $2000 or more! It is definitely advised to consider a new unit if you’re faced with this issue.

Failed Circuit Board

The circuit board starts and runs your furnace, so if it fails you’ll need to have repairs done immediately. This is an expensive technology and if your furnace is an older model it may not be worth investing the money in a replacement. It would be very disappointing to pay upwards of $500 towards a new circuit board installation and have another part break on you soon after. If this is a furnace repair issue you are facing, one of our professionals would be happy to consult with you!

Motor Failure

If you have to repair a failed motor, you’ll need a professional to perform the replacement for you – a costly situation. A new motor and service charge for installation can cost more than $600, a price that is a significant portion of what a new furnace would cost. Not only that, but motor failure can lead to many more problems within your furnace, and facing them with an old unit that is prone to breaking down may be the wrong choice. Your HAMCO professionals will gladly help you consider your options and advise you on the next steps if you’re faced with this expensive furnace repair.

The most important thing you can do to maintain your furnace and help avoid the breakdown of parts and expensive furnace repairs in the future is to clean your unit regularly. Make sure to hire a professional to help you maintain the cleanliness of your furnace with regularly scheduled appointments, which will make your furnace more efficient and save you money in the future!

Click here to schedule service on your system or here for a free sales estimate on a replacement.