Furnace repair costs $100 to $480 on average, depending on the problem, furnace size, brand, and fuel type. Oil or gas furnace repairs cost $100 to $480, while electric furnace repairs cost $100 to $380.

An annual furnace maintenance plan costs $150 to $450 and includes an inspection, tune-up, cleaning, and minor repairs. Regular tune-ups to clean the air filters, burners, and pilot-light systems prevent major breakdowns and sudden furnace failures.

Furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,400 on average, depending on the size, fuel type, brand, and efficiency. 

• Natural gas and oil furnaces are typically more expensive than electric furnaces but cost less to run.
• The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures the energy efficiency of the furnace. High-efficiency furnaces cost 30% to 100% more than standard-efficiency models but save $100 to $200 per year on energy bills.
• Furnaces from popular brands like Carrier and Lennox typically cost more to install and repair than other brands.

Most homeowners insurance policies only cover furnace repairs if the breakdown was caused by a natural disaster, such as a fire or flood. Standard policies do not cover repairs for normal wear and tear. Consider adding equipment breakdown coverage to your policy to cover furnace and heating system repairs.

Furnace repair takes 1 to 2 hours on average, depending on the problem. Complete furnace or heating system replacement takes 5 to 18 hours, depending on the size, fuel type, and job complexity.

Furnace and heating system companies typically offer these services:

• Furnace repair
• Furnace installation or replacement
• Furnace maintenance plans
• HVAC system installation, repair, or replacement
• HVAC zoning system installation, repair, or replacement
• Ductwork installation, inspection, repair, or replacement

Call a furnace repair company if you notice any of these issues:

• Uneven home heating
• Increased energy bills
• Excessively slow heating output
• Only cool air from exhaust vents
• Furnace cycling on and off frequently
• Abnormal noises and smells
• Ignition difficulties or failure to switch on
• Cracked furnace parts
• Dust or soot accumulation
• Debris coming from heating vents
• Water puddles under the unit
• Warning from the carbon monoxide alarm
• Error code signal in blinking LED lights by the furnace compartment door
• Yellow pilot light instead of the usual blue color

A furnace lasts 15 to 30 years, depending on the brand, quality, usage, fuel type, and maintenance frequency.

Furnace repair technicians typically don't expect a tip, but they appreciate a $10 to $20 tip for outstanding service. Consider offering the technician a beverage, send positive feedback to their manager, and post a positive review online.

Hire a licensed HVAC technician for furnace and heating system repair. Only technicians with HVAC credentials have the experience and training to diagnose the problem correctly and make the necessary repairs. Follow these tips when searching for the best company near you:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Check for certifications from North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), HVAC Excellence, and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA)
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Select companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts.

Ask these questions to help you find the best furnace repair company near you:

• How long have you been in business?
• Which certifications do you have?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Do you charge a fee to diagnose the problem?
• Can my furnace be repaired or does it need replacing?
• Do the new parts come with a warranty?
• Do you warranty the labor?
• How much is a furnace maintenance plan, and what does it include?
• Do you offer any seasonal discounts or promotions?