Boilers are as important to your home as your air conditioner and furnace. The last thing you want is for your boiler to break down in the middle of winter. While boilers are built to last 20-30 years, there may come a time when yours needs to be replaced or repaired.
Unexpected boiler repair costs are the last thing you want to encounter, especially if you don’t know what issue you’re dealing with. Boiler maintenance expenses depend on various factors, including the problem and the cost of the parts.
Don’t be caught off guard by a boiler breakdown this winter. In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of boiler repair costs and explore some of the most common issues homeowners may face. Stay informed and prepared to keep your home warm and comfortable!
Average Boiler Repair Costs in New Jersey
Before discussing the average cost of boiler repair, it’s important to note that factors can affect the cost. For example, if you have a newer boiler, it may still be under warranty. Let’s dive into the various factors that can determine your repair costs.
Fuel Type
The fuel system the boiler uses to heat water will determine how much you pay for a heating system repair cost. There are five common types of fuel used for boilers:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Propane
- Wood
Oil boilers tend to be more expensive to repair than other fuel types, while gas boilers are on the lower end of the spectrum. Part of the reason oil boilers have a steeper repair price tag is that not every technician has experience working on them. You can easily find an experienced HVAC technician who works on boilers fueled by natural gas.
Cost of Replacement Part
There may be some instances where your boiler only needs to get flushed or have its frozen lines thawed for it to work properly again. Unfortunately, you will likely have to pay for the part to be replaced if your boiler has stopped working.
Common boiler parts that need replacing include:
- Zone valve
- Gas valve
- Ignition switch
- Ignitor
- Expansion tank
- Boiler fan
- Tankless coil
- Circulator pump
Some parts may cost less than $100, while others may cost over $200.
Type of Problem
Your boiler is comprised of many different components and parts. The broken parts have associated costs with replacing and fixing them.
The problem with your boiler may be easy for the technician to identify and resolve. However, the issue may have several causes and be challenging to pinpoint.
A few problems that you may encounter with your boiler include:
- Uneven heating or not heating at all
- Gurgling, clanging, hissing, or whistling sounds
- The boiler keeps shutting off
- The boiler won’t turn on
- Leaking water
- Low or no pressure
Warranty Coverage
As we mentioned before, whether or not you have an active warranty will determine your heating system repair cost. You can reduce boiler repair fees if the problem is covered under your warranty policy.
Keep in mind that not staying on top of boiler maintenance could void your warranty. You’ll want to be sure to thoroughly read and check your warranty status before filing a claim.
There are three main types of boiler warranties:
- Extended warranty
- Manufacturer warranty
- Labor warranty
For example, manufacturer warranties cover most defective parts for around 5-10 years after installation. Extended warranties are purchased separately when you have your boiler installed. You can choose to have it extend your labor or parts coverage for an additional timeframe.
Labor warranties are provided by the HVAC contractor that installed your boiler. This type of warranty only covers the labor charges to repair your boiler. The coverage typically lasts one to two years.
Frequency of Boiler Tune-Ups
Most HVAC companies recommend having your boiler tuned up at least once a year. Staying on top of having your boiler maintained will help you avoid serious problems from arising. Your boiler technician will notice issues before they become more costly, saving you money in the long run.
A few things that are included in a boiler tune-up are:
- Looking for system leaks
- Resetting your thermostat controls
- Inspecting the boiler heat exchanger
- Checking the condensate drain (if you have a condensing boiler)
- Checking the valves and system pressure
- Inspecting electrical and fuel connections
It’s important to partner with a reliable boiler repair company in New Jersey. They will ensure you stay on top of your annual tune-ups, helping you stay in compliance with your warranty.
How to Know When It’s Time to Repair Your Boiler
The boiler repair company you hire in New Jersey will provide you with a detailed estimate of what you can expect to pay to repair your boiler. You should alert them right away if you think your boiler isn’t operating to its usual capacity. Knowing what signs to look out for can help you manage your repair costs.
Common signs you may want to contact a boiler repair company include:
- Frequent breakdowns
- You notice cold spots in your home
- Increased energy bills
- Your boiler is older than 15 or 20 years
- Unusual sounds
- Visible wear and tear, like leaks, rust, or corrosion
These signs may indicate that your boiler needs repairs, or, in some cases, a full replacement. A boiler repair professional will assess the issue and provide expert recommendations on whether your current boiler can be fixed or if a new one is the better option.
Hire an Experienced Boiler Repair Company in New Jersey
As you can see, boiler repair costs can vary greatly depending on what’s going on with your boiler and what parts are needed to replace it. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional HVAC company in New Jersey. You want to ensure they not only price the project fairly but also fix the issue correctly the first time.
Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling is here to ensure you have hot water to take showers, do your laundry, and wash your dishes in New Jersey. We offer our customers discounts on all boiler repairs. Reach out to our office to request a free estimate and find out our average boiler repair prices.
