There’s nothing worse than your furnace breaking down in the middle of winter. When this happens, you’re probably wondering how fast you can get it fixed and how much it is going to cost you.
Some furnace repairs in Winnipeg are affordable. Others? They can be expensive, and in some cases, the cost is enough to justify replacing the furnace. What is the most expensive part to fix on a furnace?
In short, the heat exchanger usually costs the most to repair or replace. Because it’s the heart of your heating system, when it fails, repairing it tends to cost just as much as the entire furnace.
At Lynn’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we help Winnipeg homeowners understand their furnace repair options so they can make informed, confident decisions.
Why the Heat Exchanger is the Most Expensive Part
The heat exchanger is the most expensive part of the furnace to repair or replace. It will set you back $1,000–$2,000+, depending on your furnace model and labour requirements. As a result, it can approach or exceed the value of an older furnace.
Why is the heat exchanger so expensive? That’s because it:
- It is one of the most critical components in your furnace
- Handles the heating process directly
- Requires extensive labour to access and replace
- Plays a major role in preventing carbon monoxide from entering your home
When a heat exchanger cracks, it becomes a pricey safety hazard. Carbon monoxide is the silent killer, which is why technicians and plumbers in Winnipeg tend to recommend replacing the furnace instead of investing in an expensive heat-exchanger repair on an older unit.
Other Expensive Furnace Repairs
The heat exchanger comes out on top when it comes to pricey repairs. However, a furnace is made up of many moving parts. Because of this, multiple parts may cost more than you expect to repair. These include:
Blower Motor (Including ECM Motors)
Cost: $600-$1,800
The blower motor’s job is to push warm air throughout your home. High-efficiency furnaces tend to use ECM motors, which are more complex and expensive to replace.
Control Board
Cost: $400-$900
The control board is the “brain” of your furnace. When it fails, the entire unit stops working.
Draft Inducer Motor
Cost: $400-$1,000
This component clears combustion gases from the system. Without it, your system won’t start.
Gas Valve
Cost: $300-$750
This part regulates fuel flow with precision and safety. Because of its critical role, it can raise repair costs.
Worried that your furnace will need a major repair? The Lynns’ team can inspect your system to help you decide if it’s worth repairing or if replacement is a better long-term investment.
How to Prevent Costly Furnace Repairs
The good news? The majority of high-cost repairs are preventable with proper maintenance. Here are some ways to prevent costly breakdowns before they happen:
- Schedule annual furnace tune-ups
- Replace or clean filters every 1-3 months
- Keep vents and registers clear
- Respond to early signs (strange noises, uneven heat, and rising bills)
- Fix small issues before they become major ones
At Lynn’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we recommend annual furnace inspections. It’s the ideal way to catch problems long before they add up.
Repair or Replace? We’ll Help You Decide
A cracked heat exchanger or a failing blower motor are both things you should worry about, especially with the high repair bills. That said, you don’t have to make a decision on your own. Our technicians will walk you through:
- What’s wrong
- What are your repair options?
- How much longer will your furnace last
- Whether repair or replacement offers better long-term value
When you live in Winnipeg, thinking ahead pays off. It’s the best way to prevent small problems from becoming bigger issues down the line.
Stay Warm and Protected This Season
What’s the most expensive part to fix on a furnace? It’s the heat exchanger. However, several components can lead to pricey repairs, especially on older units. The Lynn’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling team is here for you from Furnace installation to furnace servicing in Winnipeg. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected furnace issue or want a second opinion, we have your back.
Need to schedule a furnace inspection or repair? Contact us to get the best, safest, and most cost-effective solution for your furnace!
