If a technician has told you that your heat exchanger is cracked, you’ll need to replace it for safety reasons. Unfortunately, the heat exchanger is one of the most expensive furnace parts to repair or replace.
The cost to replace a heat exchanger in New Jersey ranges from $1,500 to $4,500.
We know…that’s probably not what you wanted to hear! However, the cost of not replacing a cracked heat exchanger is much worse, as your furnace could leak poisonous gases like carbon monoxide into your home, which you probably don’t want either.
We understand if you’re hesitant to shell out that kind of cash.
So below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we get from clients about replacing a heat exchanger, such as:
- What is a heat exchanger?
- Why is a heat exchanger so expensive to replace?
- Do I really need to replace the heat exchanger?
- Should I just replace the whole furnace instead?
If you want to speak with a technician instead, we’re available to help now. We always have an experienced technician on call and ready to take care of furnace repairs as quickly as we can.
What is a heat exchanger?
The heat exchanger in your furnace is a group of metal coils that is heated via whatever fuel your furnace uses (gas, oil, electricity, etc) and then transfers its heat to the air in your home.
More specifically, your furnace pulls in cool air from your home and pushes it over the top of these hot coils to heat it. Once the air is warm, it is blown through your ducts and out supply vents, back into your home.
Why is a heat exchanger so expensive to replace?
If your mind was just blown reading the estimated cost of a replacement heat exchanger, you’re not alone.
Two reasons a heat exchanger is so expensive to replace include:
- The labor is expensive. Replacing a heat exchanger can take a tech anywhere from five to eight hours or more.
- The part is expensive. Since it heats the air that is pushed out into your home, the heat exchanger is an extremely important and essential component of your furnace. As a result, they can get pretty pricey. It all depends on the brand and size of your furnace.
Do I really need to replace the heat exchanger?
Maybe you’re not quite sure whether you can trust the technician who is working on your furnace. We get it.
Knowing the signs of a bad or cracked heat exchanger can help you avoid being scammed by untrustworthy technicians.
Some of the most common signs that you need to replace your heat exchanger are:
- Visible cracks, holes, or splits
- Weird, chemical smells
- Moisture leaking out of the furnace or water on the floor
- Soot buildup inside the furnace
- An unsteady furnace flame that jumps around while the blower fan is on
In short, if a technician tells you that you need to replace your heat exchanger and you want to make sure it’s a legitimate need, ask the technician to show you the visible crack. You should be able to see it with your naked eye.
Should I just replace the whole furnace instead?
If you’re facing the high probability of paying a few thousand dollars to replace a heat exchanger, you’re probably wondering if replacing the entire furnace is a better investment.
Well, it just depends.
- You may need to replace the entire furnace if it is more than ten years old and…
- It’s not heating your home very well anymore
- Your heating bills are more than they used to be
- You’ve had other recent problems with your furnace
- On the other hand, you may just want to replace the heat exchanger if your furnace is only a few years old, it’s in good working condition otherwise and you’re still covered by a valid warranty.
Need a new heat exchanger? Air Experts can help
Needing a new heat exchanger isn’t just an expensive repair, it’s also an issue that compromises your safety.
At Air Experts, you can trust us to provide honest and professional guidance and service while keeping your safety and wellbeing top of mind.
We are committed to treating all of our clients like family and we will attend to your furnace repair promptly and efficiently.