There are some furnace repairs that you can make without spending a small fortune. But when it comes to a cracked furnace heat exchanger, you can expect to spend between $2,500 and $3,000 to replace that one component. This estimate doesn’t include any additional repairs that your furnace may require.
A cracked heat exchanger isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s also a hazard to your home and family. If your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked, you are faced with deciding whether to repair your existing unit or replace it with an entirely new unit. Depending on your furnace’s age and overall condition, it may make more sense to install an entirely new furnace. If you’re faced with HVAC replacement in Cedar Hill, TX, give our team a call.
Why Is a Cracked Heat Exchanger Bad?
If you suspect that your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked, you should turn the unit off right away and call for an emergency HVAC inspection. If our team confirms that your heat exchanger is cracked, you shouldn’t run the unit again until the heat exchanger is repaired or replaced.
The crack can allow carbon monoxide to escape into your home and make your family very sick. This leak also leaves your home at risk of a fire because carbon monoxide is flammable. Even if it’s very cold outside, the risk outweighs the reward of being comfortable. Find other ways to heat your home until the crack is no longer a problem.
Choosing Between Repair and Replacement
The first step in getting your heat back on is deciding whether or not your existing unit is worth repairing. In some cases, the expense of replacing the heat exchanger is so much that it makes more sense to replace your entire furnace. You may want to invest in a repair if:
- Your furnace is less than 10 years old
- Your manufacturer’s warranty covers parts
- The cost of labor is less than 25% of the replacement cost
Furnaces can easily last for 20 years, so you may be able to save money by salvaging what’s left of your heating system and just replacing the cracked heat exchanger. Keep in mind that your investment in regular furnace maintenance plays a role in what condition your system is in and whether or not your manufacturer’s warranty is still valid.
If you’ve cared for the unit by scheduling annual tune-up appointments, your furnace may have years of life left in it. If you haven’t invested in regular maintenance, that could void your warranty. Even if you have a newer furnace, the cost of the heat exchanger may not be covered.
It may make more sense to replace the entire unit and start new if your warranty doesn’t cover the cost, if you have an older furnace, or if repair costs are too much. This is especially true after your furnace is at least 15 years old. Otherwise, you may invest in a new heat exchanger just to be faced with other repair needs with your existing older furnace.
Our team can conduct an overall inspection of your furnace and help you weigh the pros and cons of repair versus replacement.
Contact Republic Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc, today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Revolutionizing the Customer Experience.