Facing the decision to replace a heat exchanger, which can cost between $1,500 and $3,500, might leave you pondering whether it's more prudent to invest in a new furnace altogether. This decision hinges on several considerations. Despite the initial sticker shock associated with replacing a heat exchanger, there are circumstances where this might be the most advantageous route for you.
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Deciding whether the new heat exchanger cost is worth it will differ for each homeowner. You’ll need to evaluate the state of your furnace to find the right answer for your needs. Learn more about your heat exchanger and when you should spring for a replacement versus investing in a new furnace.
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Before we get into replacement costs, let’s quickly touch on the signs of a failing heat exchanger. If left untreated, a broken heat exchanger can put you and your family at risk of exposure to lethal fumes and gasses.
If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, this should be the easiest detection method, as it will detect a CO leak and let you know there is a problem. If not, the fumes that escape the exchanger can irritate the eyes and cause headaches and nausea. In addition, finding soot inside your furnace indicates that a crack or hole exists since any residue from combustion should be contained within your heat exchanger. If there is a crack large enough for you to see, you don't need to wait for any other signs and should make a decision immediately to prevent negative impacts on your health.
Essentially, your furnace’s heat exchanger is what warms the air before it gets sent through your ductwork. Because this component of your furnace experiences the highest heat levels, the joints will degrade over time, possibly leading to cracks in the metal casing.
Heat exchangers can be very difficult to repair, and in many cases, a replacement is recommended. If your manufacturer’s warranty has expired (or was voided due to lack of maintenance), the part and labor costs of a heat exchanger replacement will likely be far too expensive. In this case, you’re better off investing in a brand-new furnace.
The high price tag on your furnace heat exchanger cost is due to the work needed to complete the job. As mentioned above, it may be better to invest that money into the price of a new furnace, but there are a few exceptions to this.
Furnaces have an average lifespan of around 10 years, and most exchangers tend to go out around this time. If your furnace is close to this 10-year mark, a new furnace is likely a better investment. If your furnace is relatively new, a new heat exchanger may be worth it to avoid early furnace replacement.
If your warranty still covers your heat exchanger, the replacement cost is less of an issue because a good chunk of your cost will be covered. This is usually applicable for newer furnaces, so getting the full benefit of your warranty is definitely worth it if that's an option.
If your furnace has no active warranty and is close to the end of its life anyway, getting a new furnace is the smart choice. New furnaces are more efficient and will come with new warranties. They can also help if your heating needs have increased beyond the abilities of your current furnace.
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Replacing a heat exchanger is not a DIY project; it's a complex job that requires taking apart the furnace and then putting it back again. Any mistake can lead to dangerous consequences, namely leaking carbon monoxide to your home.
Always hire a trained and skilled HVAC professional to replace a heat exchanger. Failure to install can cause cracks and holes that can release deadly carbon monoxide to your home.
You’ll spend $1,000 to $2,000 on average for a replacement heat exchanger depending on the type of furnace you have. However, this price can exceed $5,000 if you need a commercial heat exchanger.
Ribbon heat exchangers are much more affordable. Replacing a heat exchanger in a standard furnace costs $100 to $300 on average, depending on the boiler type and size.
A high-efficiency furnace is more complex than a standard furnace, so replacement parts and labor cost more. Replacing a secondary heat exchanger costs $300 to $800.
Modern condensing furnaces have two heat exchangers that increase energy efficiency to use the heat produced completely.
On average, industrial or commercial heat exchanger prices are $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the furnace type, size, and brand.
The price to replace a heat exchanger depends on various factors such as the warranty, the size, and the age of your furnace:
Heat exchangers come with great warranties—usually 10 to 20 years. This covers the part always and labor for one year only. Depending on your warranty coverage, you could save between $500 to $2,000.
BTU capacity indicates furnace size. A heat exchanger for a larger furnace typically costs more.
The heat exchanger is one of the longest-lasting components, but once it goes, it's only a matter of time until other parts start failing. In many cases, installing new parts in an older furnace is more difficult and requires additional labor. If the furnace's age is more than 10 years old, consider installing a new furnace versus replacing the heat exchanger.
Replacing a heat exchanger on a furnace that is easy to access is difficult enough. When the furnace is in a hard-to-reach place in an attic or crawlspace, estimates might exceed the cost of a new furnace.
Heat exchanger prices vary by manufacturer and brand.
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