The cost to replace a furnace control board is $500 on average, but it can cost between $300 and $700 or more depending on the complexity of the control board and the brand.
Furnace control board replacement costs anywhere from $50 to $900 on average, but most people pay $500. Labor costs in your area and the specific type of control board you buy will impact your total price. Keep reading to discover more factors you should include in your budget for furnace control board replacement.
Furnace control board replacement costs typically range from around $300 to $700, which will cover the cost of the new control board and professional installation. The type of control board may also influence the project total.
A new furnace control board costs about $50 to $300, but the cost will depend on the complexity of the control board and the brand. On the lower end of this range, you’ll find simple control boards and universal parts, meaning they are designed to work for a wide range of furnace brands.
On the higher end of the range, you will find integrated control boards, which are more complex and offer more functions, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. OEM refers to parts made by the original maker of the furnace. While they may be more expensive, manufacturer parts are specifically designed to work with your furnace system.
Hiring a furnace repair pro to replace the control board costs about $150 to $450 total. The contractor you hire may also charge by the hour, and you can expect to spend about $50 to $150 per hour.
The cost to replace a furnace control board primarily depends on the cost of the replacement parts and labor, but there are some additional costs that could come up. From scheduling an inspection to diagnose the problem to hiring a pro for an emergency fix, here are some potential costs to consider.
A furnace inspection costs about $80 to $100 on average. When the furnace stops blowing warm air or starts cycling inconsistently, it could be the control board—or it could be dozens of other parts that are worn out or broken. That’s why it’s important to have a furnace repair person perform an inspection when you suspect something is wrong.
Keeping up with furnace maintenance, such as annual inspections and cleaning, will cost you about $120 to $500 per year but will save you in the long run. Dust and debris make it harder for the furnace to run efficiently, putting more stress on its parts. Over time, slacking on scheduling those furnace inspections and cleaning sessions or failing to change the furnace filters every few months can cost you more in repairs and higher utility bills.
If a power surge causes the control board to stop working just as the temperatures outside drop below freezing, you’ll need to call in a furnace repair pro for emergency service. Emergency furnace repair costs about $90 to $230 per hour, plus the cost of parts.
If you’re a pretty experienced DIYer, you can replace the control board on a furnace yourself for about $50 to $300, or the cost of the replacement circuit board. You’ll need to pay close attention to how the existing control board is installed to make sure you wire the new circuit board correctly. All you should need for this project is a screwdriver.
However, even if you decide to replace the control board yourself, you should still hire an HVAC pro to inspect the furnace first, which will cost $80 to $100. The problem may not even be the control board, so you’ll want confirmation of what really is at fault.
By working on your HVAC system or undergoing important repairs on your own, you could void your unit’s warranty. Review your warranty terms carefully before making any DIY repairs.
Your furnace is a complex system, and it requires many different parts to function properly. Even if you suspect the control board is the problem, it could be worn-out ball bearings, a broken blower motor, frayed belts, a clogged furnace filter, or any number of different problems.
It’s best to invest the additional $150 to $450 to hire a local furnace repair company to replace the control board. They can determine if the circuit board is really to blame for your malfunctioning furnace, and they will be able to safely and quickly remove the old circuit board and install its replacement. While you may need to spend hours online watching videos of how to perform this project, a furnace repair pro can have this job done in about 30 minutes.
While you’re replacing the furnace control board, there are some other furnace tune-ups and improvements you might want to consider tackling at the same time. If your furnace is 15 years old or older, you may consider installing a whole new furnace instead of replacing the control board. Either way, here are some common furnace add-ons you may want to keep in mind:
Furnace repair cost: $130–$500
Air duct cleaning cost: $270–$500
New furnace cost: $2,850–$6,810
Insulation cost: $1,070–$2,600
Home energy audit cost: $210–$680
This unexpected cost doesn’t have to break the bank. Fortunately, your furnace warranty may help cover the cost of parts, and by finding a trustworthy repair pro, you can save on this project. If you want to save even more on furnace control board replacement costs, be sure to:
Check the warranty: A furnace typically includes a limited parts warranty of 5 years, or you may register for a 10-year warranty. The warranty may cover the cost of materials.
Get multiple quotes: Compare HVAC quotes from at least three companies, and double-check reviews and references. Opt for the best value rather than the lowest rate.
Consider universal parts: Universal parts tend to cost less than manufacturer parts. Check that the new control board is compatible with your type of furnace.
Look for seasonal deals: New furnace parts may cost more in the busy winter season. If you know your control board is faulty, you may score a better deal by shopping early.
A control board can fail for many different reasons. Older control boards may stop functioning properly, or, over time, wires can become loose, preventing the circuit board from working. One of the most common problems with control boards is the transistor, which can wear out from prolonged exposure to heat. If the control board gets wet, it may fail.
The control board on a furnace should last about 15 to 20 years, which is the typical life span of a furnace. However, certain parts of the control board can fail early, or a power surge can damage the system. If the control board prematurely fails, it will cost less to just replace this part. However, if your furnace is older, it may make more sense to replace the entire furnace if the control board or another important part stops working.
