How Much Does Boiler Repair Cost?

By Geoffrey Sperring

October 24, 2025

The house has run cold. It's time you did something about that cantankerous boiler and the heating system before your spouse and family have their own meltdown. You need to get it fixed or replaced.

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Depending on the reason the boiler is acting up, boiler repairs can cost between $150 and $700 (CAD 209 and CAD 973). Labor charges can vary from $75 to $150 (CAD 104 to CAD 209) per hour.

Common Problems With Boilers and the Average Cost to Fix Them

Boilers need regular maintenance. If this is neglected, minor issues can quickly become more serious. Also, there's a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when a boiler isn't properly tuned. The four main types of boilers are natural gas, propane, oil and electric; the choice is often dictated by where you live and the availability of fuels.

Common Issues With Natural Gas Boilers

The most common gas boiler faults are usually associated with valves, piping and burners. Temperature, pressure and gas regulator valves can fail or go out of adjustment. The burners themselves may need to be cleaned, while a properly working igniter is essential for continued operation. Other faults include electrical wiring, faulty water circulation pumps and air in the system pipes. Major hardware problems can include replacing the expansion tank or heat exchanger.

The cost to repair a boiler depends on the time it takes to find the fault, the price of the replacement parts and their installation. On average, gas boiler repair costs between $100 and $400 (CAD 139 and CAD 556).

Propane Boilers Problems

Although propane and gas boilers look the same and have many similarities, there are some distinct differences. Propane is a liquefied gas, and its pressure is higher than that of natural gas. Because of the higher pressure, propane boiler control systems and burners are different. Despite this, propane boiler faults and issues are similar to those of gas boilers. The amount for repairing propane boiler faults is slightly higher at $300 to $1,200 (CAD 417 to CAD 1,668).

Common Oil Boiler Breakdowns

Oil boilers are popular in areas not served by natural gas pipelines. Fuel is stored in a large oil tank. Common fuel boiler problems include fuel oil leaks, faulty burners, a clogged oil pump, water contamination and faulty valves. The oil burner must be regularly cleaned and maintained. Because oil is more difficult to ignite, the system relies on a forced draft powered by an air blower. The exhaust flue has a damper that needs careful adjustment to control the flow of air and optimize combustion. Damper faults include stiff or jammed dampers. The average cost to repair an oil boiler is between $250 and $600 (CAD 348 and CAD 834).

Common Electric Boiler Maintenance Issues

Although more expensive to run than other boilers, electric boilers are inherently simpler. They don't need air vents, burners or air filters. The primary issues associated with electric boilers are thermostat failures, heating element problems and water leaks. There's also a risk of entrapped air in pipes preventing water from reaching radiators, and a possibility of gunk clogging pipelines and radiators. On average, expect to pay a plumber or electrician between $150 and $450 (CAD 209 and CAD 626) to repair your electric boiler.

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What Is the Cost of Common Boiler Repairs?

The above prices are averaged. To give you a better idea of the cost to repair a boiler system, such as how much it costs to replace a boiler pump, here's a list of components that commonly fail, together with their replacement cost, including labor. (Based on data from HomeGuide.)

Replace the igniter or ignition switch: $100 to $400 (CAD 139 to CAD 556)
Replace the boiler fan: $200 to $500 (CAD 278 to CAD 695)
Replace the pump on a boiler: $300 to $1,100 (CAD 417 to CAD 1,529)
Replace the expansion tank: $200 to $800 (CAD 278 to CAD 1,112)
Replace a zone control valve: $100 to $500 (CAD 139 to CAD 695)
Replace the heat exchanger coil: $500 to $1,000 (CAD 695 to CAD 1,390)
Replace a gas valve: $200 to $900 (CAD 278 to CAD 1,251)
Replace a faulty flue: $300 to $700 (CAD 417 to CAD 973)
Replace an electrical thermostat: $140 to $350 (CAD 195 to CAD 487)
Replace the transformer: $150 to $500 (CAD 209 to CAD 695)
Repair water supply leaks: $150 to $850 (CAD 209 to CAD 1,182)
General electrical repairs: $140 to $420 (CAD 195 to CAD 584)

Regular Boiler Servicing Costs

You can reduce the risk of unplanned breakdowns by arranging for regular service on your boiler. Ideally, this should be done once a year and may include cleaning the burners and descaling the heat exchanger and elements. The annual boiler service charge is between $200 and $500 (CAD 278 and CAD 695). Regular upkeep reduces boiler maintenance costs because the HVAC technician can preemptively fix, clean and adjust boiler components before they become problematic. The technician may also recommend a system flush and descaling, which costs between $150 and $600 (CAD 209 and CAD 834) extra.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Boiler?

Is it Worth Repairing a Boiler?

If the boiler is more than 15 years old and you're experiencing ongoing problems, it may be time to replace it with a new unit. This is especially the case if the repair costs are a significant percentage of the cost of a new boiler. Newer boilers are more efficient, and running costs are lower. If your boiler stops working altogether, there's no choice but to replace it. The following replacement prices are based on data from Fixr.

Gas and Propane Boiler Replacement Costs

A gas boiler costs between $1,200 and $8,000 (CAD 1,668 to CAD 11,120) for the unit, and between $3,800 to $12,000 (CAD 5,282 to CAD 16,680) installed. You can expect the same price range for propane boilers. This price includes labor as well.

Oil Boiler Replacement Cost

An oil boiler costs between $1,700 to $6,500 (CAD 2,363 to CAD 9,035) for the unit and materials, and between $4,000 to $9,000 (CAD 5,560 to CAD 12,510) for the unit and installation.

Electric Boiler Replacement Cost

An electric boiler costs between $800 to $7,000 (CAD 1,112 to CAD 9,730) for the unit, and between $1,500 to $9,000 (CAD 2,085 to CAD 12,510) installed.

Boiler Removal Cost

Allow $200 to $500 (CAD 278 to CAD 695) for the removal of the old boiler and flue. The HVAC technician can advise on the optimal heating capacity for your home, taking into account the climate zone and size of your home. High-efficiency boilers cost more than standard units, but their running costs are lower.

How Long Do Boilers Last?

Boilers typically last 15 to 25 years. Reasons for a shorter life include excessive scale buildup, leaks and a lack of regular boiler maintenance. The boiler's life may also be shorter if it's not properly sized. Periodic servicing goes a long way toward prolonging boiler life.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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