How Much is Too Much for Heater Repair Labor in Michigan?

It's every Michigander's worst nightmare: the dependable old furnace makes a shuddering racket and goes silent. Paying to replace the parts is bad enough, but when you add in labor costs, you might just start thinking about forgetting the whole thing and buying extra blankets.

Furnace Replacement Means Big Labor Costs

How much to pay for labor is a tricky question. Max Rivard, co-owner of Rivard Brothers in Maine, heads up their plumbing and heating division. He quotes an hourly rate of $60 an hour plus parts, but acknowledges that labor rates can vary significantly. "The high end will run you about $100 an hour," he says.

Heating installation and replacement labor is based on a number of factors. The difficulty of the heater repair job is one aspect, but you're also considering the area you're working in, the experience of the workers, and the size of the company.

How to Choose a Furnace Repair Company

Rivard explains why larger shops might charge more for a furnace replacement job. "A lot of people are comfortable with the big companies for their size and reliability therefore expect to pay more," he says. "My prices are [lower] due to the fact that I'm a two man shop with no overhead."

When it comes time to invest in furnace repair in Michigan, your best option is to research different companies and local options. Make an educated decision and you could save money on your installation.