Most furnace repairs cost about $125 to $480, based on published national ranges. Flame sensors ($80 to $250) and igniters ($100 to $250) are common and inexpensive; inducer motors ($400 to $1,100) and heat exchangers ($1,000 to $3,000) are the costly ones. Hourly labor typically runs $75 to $150 plus parts.
Technical Consideration
Typical furnace repair costs by part
| Part | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Flame sensor | $80 – $250 |
| Igniter | $100 – $250 |
| Limit switch | $100 – $375 |
| Gas valve | $200 – $800 |
| Control board | $300 – $650 |
| Blower motor | $300 – $900 |
| Inducer motor | $400 – $1,100 |
| Heat exchanger | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Published U.S. ranges for planning only, not Wilmington quotes. Your written price depends on diagnosis, access, equipment, permits, and timing. Sources: HomeGuide – furnace repair cost (Aug 2025).
What makes a furnace repair quote higher?
After-hours calls, hard-to-reach attic or crawlspace furnaces, proprietary parts, and multiple failed components raise the price.
A furnace that has been short cycling for months may have damaged more than one part.
What is the most common cheap fix?
A dirty flame sensor is one of the most common reasons a furnace lights and then shuts off.
Cleaning it is quick, but ask why it fouled; a dirty filter or poor combustion may be the underlying cause.
When should a repair become a replacement?
A cracked heat exchanger, a furnace older than about 18 to 20 years with repeated failures, or a plan to add a heat pump anyway all justify pricing a replacement.
New furnaces typically run $3,500 to $7,500+ installed for standard efficiency.
How do I avoid paying for the wrong part?
Ask for the error code, the test that confirmed the failure, and the old part back.
Control boards in particular are sometimes replaced when a cheaper sensor or wiring issue is the real cause.
Related services in Wilmington
- Furnace Repair in Wilmington, DE
- Furnace Installation & Replacement in Wilmington, DE
- Boiler & Radiator Heat Tune-Ups in Wilmington, DE
Local verification resources
Before authorizing work, use the Delaware license lookup. For projects that may require approval, consult the City of Wilmington permit information or the authority serving the property.