House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
How Much Does A Heat Exchanger Cost? (2024 Update)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Heat exchangers, as the name suggests, are devices that transfer heat from one place to another. There are various types of heat exchangers which have different applications. Usually, we use them for power stations, cooling, refrigeration, space heating, etc. Depending on their design and material, heat exchangers can operate with different fluids.
Many people wonder about how much heat exchangers cost, so we’re here to provide you with an answer to that question. The price varies, depending on the type of flow arrangement that the exchanger has.
The Importance of Flow Arrangement
Flow arrangement allows heat to travel from one medium to the other, so it’s crucial for a heat exchanger to function correctly. There are three types of heat exchangers, according to the flow arrangement.
Counter-flow Heat Exchangers have a design where the fluids enter the exchanger from opposite sides. This heat exchanger type is the most efficient and can transfer more heat than other heat exchangers.
Parallel Heat Exchangers have a design that allows the fluids to travel parallel with one another. They access the tube from the same side.
Cross-Flow Heat Exchangers have a design where the fluids travel perpendicular to one another.
The price of a heat exchanger varies depending on the size, quality, and energy efficiency. Also, gas and electric furnace heat exchangers will not cost the same.
Typical prices for heat exchangers go from $300 to over $3,000 depending on the brand and materials it transmits. That’s the cost without installation, so that’s something to consider before purchasing a heat exchanger.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Installation of heat exchangers can also be pricey, and you’re looking at around $2,000–$6,000. If you need to install a secondary heat exchanger, that can cost you from $800–$3,500. The secondary exchanger itself will cost $400 to $2,800, plus the labor costs to install it.
If your heat exchanger needs a replacement, the job will take 5 to 8 hours to finish. Professional technicians charge this replacement service anywhere from $75 to $125, while the replacement commonly costs $1,000 to $2,000. Below you can see a list of prices for heat exchanger replacements by brand.
York
$500–$2,500
Trane
$800–$3,000
Bryant
$300–$1,700
Lennox
$400–$2,800
Armstrong
$500–$3,000
How Often Should I Examine My Heat Exchanger?
You should examine your heat exchanger frequently to ensure everything is functioning correctly. There are various dangers that a broken heat exchanger can cause, so you should always be cautious. Cracked or damaged heat exchangers can create harmful gasses that can be potentially deadly.
Heat exchangers tend to break down during cold weather, so a pre-season checkup is always a good option. It might be best to have annual checkups to ensure that your heat exchanger functions perfectly. By finding the problems right after they occur, you will finish the repairs promptly and not disturb your exchanger’s performance.
A heat exchanger collects a lot of dust and debris while working, so you should clean it at least twice a year. When the exchanger is not clean, the amount of heat that’s transferred in the air is reduced, so it becomes overheated and runs longer than it should. That can damage the heat exchanger and waste a lot of energy.
Before you start cleaning the heat exchanger, completely shut off the power in your furnace. Shut off the oil or gas and remove the access panel. By using a bristle brush, carefully wipe off any dirt from the heat exchanger.
When cleaning the heat exchangers outside, we advise taping a plastic tube onto a vacuum hose and air-blowing the dirt. Use a toothbrush to clean the fan assembly and blower motor. If your air filters are dirty, it’s best just to replace them.
Ensure that you repeat this cleaning process twice a year for your heat exchanger to function without issues. There are companies that clean heat exchangers professionally, but that will be an additional cost of about $300–$400.
Heat exchangers can be pricey, but if you take care of them adequately, they can serve you for an extended period. The replacement costs can vary, but a heat exchanger can fit into any budget. Compare the brands to compare the quality to the prices and decide which heat exchanger suits your needs.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
