How long should a furnace control board last?

Author: Dr. Tony Towne MD  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

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.

Is it worth replacing a control board on a furnace?

Conclusion. Replacing a furnace control board is an essential aspect of maintaining the efficiency and safety of your home's heating system.

Why do furnace control boards fail?

ESD or static electricity will cause a furnace control board to fail over time. Electronics fail over time, but other damage caused by a power outage, power surge, or another voltage spike like someone taking a power pole out. A blown fuse can prevent the circuit board from working too.

How often should I replace my furnace control board?

The furnace control board can last from five to 15 years, which means it can last the entire life of your heating unit. Too much dust and debris or extreme temperatures can shorten the component's life and can increase wear on your furnace.

What are the symptoms of a bad control board?

Common symptoms or indicators of a failed control board include: Fans that will not run Fans that pulse and will not maintain consistent speeds Compressor not running (refrigerator not cooling) Multiple refrigerator components not working simultaneously Burned resistors on the main control board.

Furnace/AC How to Troubleshoot The Control Board

How much to replace a furnace control board?

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.

How long do control boards last?

Expected Lifespan

The average furnace circuit board, also referred to as its “motherboard,” will last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. Depending on the specific type of furnace that you have, this means that your control board could last the expected lifespan of your entire system.

What is the most expensive part to fix on a furnace?

A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.

How long is the warranty on a control board for a furnace?

It covers the cost of parts that might fail due to manufacturer defect, but not the labor to repair them. In most cases, this warranty lasts for 10 years, but length of coverage may change depending on the product.

How long do furnaces last on average?

How long does a traditional furnace last? An average furnace is designed to operate for 15 to 30 years in a home. The easiest way to increase the life cycle of your furnace is to hire a certified technician to perform maintenance and repairs once a year.

What fails first on a furnace?

If the flame sensor fails, your furnace may not be able to start or may shut down shortly after starting. Common causes of flame sensor failure include corrosion, dirt buildup, or a broken wire. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If the gas valve fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat.

How long does it take to replace furnace control board?

Replacing a furnace motherboard takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the furnace type, circuit board location, and accessibility. HVAC technicians may take up to 1 hour to run additional heating-system diagnostic tests.

How does a control board go bad?

moisture in the system. high voltage. a loose wire connection that creates heat and burns through the wire. dirt in the terminals or relays in the control board.

How do I know if my furnace control board is bad?

If your control board is bad, you'll have trouble operating your furnace correctly. Control boards can fail for various reasons, but the tell-tale symptoms look the same: Warning lights flashing or staying on. Inability to settle on a stable temperature.

Is it worth fixing a 20 year old furnace?

Repair: If your furnace system is less than 15 years old and the cost of repair is less than half the cost of replacement. Replace: If your furnace system is more than 15 years old and requires a costly repair to maintain efficiency.

Can you replace a furnace control board yourself?

Avoid attempting to manipulate the control board yourself! It would be best if you didn't try to repair a gas furnace unless you're a skilled professional.

What is the most reliable gas furnace brand?

The 5 Best Furnace Brands
  • Carrier Furnace: Best Warranty.
  • Lennox Furnace: Best Company Reputation.
  • Bryant Furnace: Best for Durability.
  • Trane Furnace: Most Years of Experience.
  • Amana Furnace: Best for Efficiency.

What causes furnace circuit board to fail?

The older your furnace, the more vulnerable it is to malfunctions. Time takes a toll on any appliance, and as the years pass, vibrations, thermal expansion, power fluctuations, and general wear and tear can cause the furnace circuit board to fail.

Who has the longest furnace warranty?

Daikin offers the longest warranty in the industry! They offer up to 12-year limited warranties on most of their products. All you need to do is register online on the Daikin website. The 12-year warranty in particular is a game changer – no other manufacturer in the industry offers it.

What is the most common furnace failure?

One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running. This will cause your thermostat battery to run, and cause your furnace to work inefficiently.

Does insurance cover furnace failure?

While there's no such thing as furnace or boiler replacement insurance, homeowners insurance may cover the cost to replace your furnace or boiler if it's damaged or destroyed by a covered peril.

How much do furnace repairman charge per hour?

Several factors influence how much you'll pay for labor for your next HVAC repair or replacement service. However, the average cost of HVAC labor is $75 to $150 per hour.

Can you test a control board?

Connect the negative lead of a multimeter to the ground plane on the circuit board. Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the power input of the board. Power on the board and check the voltage reading on the multimeter. The voltage reading should match the specified input voltage for the board.

How long does it take to replace a control panel?

A typical panel change takes approximately one full day with 2 or 3 technicians on site to perform the work. After the work is complete, the homeowner will need to set aside another day to meet the inspector to review the work and complete the permit process.

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