How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Furnace in Minneapolis?

The cost to repair a furnace in Minneapolis ranges from $100 to $1,000+ with the average being around $300.

Why the broad price range?

The total cost depends on these 4 factors:

Service call charge
Contractor’s pricing method
Furnace replacement parts
Warranties

Let’s explore each of those cost factors in more detail.

Cost factor #1: Service call charge

The cost of the service call charge depends on who you call: every furnace contractor has different prices.

Most of the time, a service call charge can range from $50 to $200.

Sometimes contractors will waive the fee if they can fix the repair in the same visit or they’ll adjust the service fee depending on the repair your furnace needs.

Ask your furnace contractor for a written estimate so you can plan for this cost.

Cost factor #2: Contractor’s pricing method

To account for labor, contractors will either charge by the hour or charge a flat rate.

Hourly pricing means you’re charged the cost of the replacement parts plus the number of hours it takes to install the unit.

Flat-rate pricing means that once the problem is diagnosed, the contractor can give you a fixed price for how much it would take to fix the furnace—regardless of how long it takes to replace the needed parts. Many people prefer this pricing method because you get to see an accurate price upfront with no guessing involved.

So when looking for a contractor, ask them what their pricing method is so you can do an apples to apples comparison for pricing.

Cost factor #3: Furnace replacement parts

Some furnace replacement parts are very expensive; others, relatively cheap.

Think of it like taking your car to the mechanic for repairs. You know some car parts are not expensive (like an air filter) compared to other very costly parts (like a new engine).

Similarly, furnace parts range from inexpensive like a belt (less than $30) to expensive like a heat exchanger ($500 - $1,500).

In fact, because some furnace repairs are so expensive (like replacing a heat exchanger), you may consider just replacing your furnace—especially if it’s older.

Older furnaces (15-20 years) are likely to need more serious repairs as they age, so buying a new furnace could actually save you money in the long run because you won’t waste money on repairs for a furnace near the end of its life.

Every year, we repair or replace these 5 common furnace parts:

Defective blower motors: If your blower motor breaks down, your furnace will shut off and hot air won’t circulate in your home.
Bad limit switches: A bad limit switch will cause your furnace’s blower to run constantly, which shortens the lifespan of the blower.
Broken fan control board: Your furnace’s fan control board is basically the brain of your furnace. It controls everything from turning on the gas to shutting down the fan once your home reaches the set temperature. If this breaks down, your furnace won’t work at all.
Faulty ignitions: If you have an electrical problem or a problem with the thermocouple, your furnace will not be able to properly heat your home.
Flame sensors not working: Flame sensors tell the furnace when to continue releasing fuel. If your flame sensors are faulty, your system will shut down or burn fuel in a hazardous way.

Cost factor #4: Warranties

If your faulty furnace part is covered by warranty, you can expect to pay less for the repair. Depending on the warranty coverage, it could mean you’ll only have to pay for the service fee.

Many furnace brands come with a 20-year to lifetime limited warranty for the heat exchanger, plus a 5-year warranty for most other parts.

If you’re wondering what’s covered under your warranty, refer to the furnace manufacturer's website or paperwork included from your original purchase. Usually lower efficiency furnaces have shorter warranties. Your furnace repair person can also help you find out what furnace parts are covered under warranty.