Repairing Your Furnace vs. Replacing It: What You Need to Know
Something is wrong with your furnace and you need to do something about it. It’s the fall season, so you’ve got time to carefully consider your decision. You need to ask yourself a couple of important questions to determine what’s best for you:
- How much will the repair cost?
- Is now the time to replace my furnace?
- Which decision will benefit me in the long-term?
- Will it make more sense financially to replace my current system?
Once you can answer all of these questions, you will know exactly what you need to do moving forward. You should always consider all of your options beforehand, this way you will know with certainty that you are making the right decision. Everyone has a different situation, and the choice is never simple.
Leaking Carbon Monoxide
At any point, you and your family can become exposed to carbon monoxide, which constitutes a major safety hazard. Furnaces with a cracked combustion chamber are liable to emit carbon monoxide and the noxious gas will end up permeating your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, and it can cause death if you inhale it over long periods of time. If you’re feeling nauseous or disoriented, then this could be an indication that your furnace is emitting carbon monoxide. In these kinds of situations, you always want to act quickly and decisively by contacting a heating professional once you detect the issue.
The Age of Your Furnace
How old is your furnace? If it exceeds 15 years in age, then you should replace it. Older furnaces tend to be inefficient and by the 15-year mark, they have already experienced enough wear and tear that the unit won’t benefit from a repair service. Instead of forking over a lot of money for constant repair-work, you should replace your heating system altogether. A general rule among HVAC professionals is that you should opt to repair your furnace if it’s under the age of 15.
Repairs Are More Affordable
The price of the average repair service will cost less than half the amount of money it would take to replace your system altogether. Financially, this is very significant, especially when a new furnace can cost you up to $6500 depending on its efficiency and the technology it utilizes. With an older heating system, however, if the repair cost exceeds one-third of the price to replace it, then you should consider purchasing a new furnace. Value is a major factor when it comes to deciding to repair or replace your existing unit.
Costly Energy Bills
Have you noticed an unusually dramatic increase in your monthly heating bills? It’s likely because your furnace requires a lot more energy to operate efficiently. Compare your current heating bills to those from the past but from around the same time of year. Is there a major discrepancy? If so, then this is an indication that you will need to replace your current system. Furnaces will experience normal wear and tear over the years and they will begin to falter when it comes to meeting your basic home heating needs. This will put a lot of pressure on your system when it’s already struggling to keep up with the demand.
Constant Repair Services
Did you repair your furnace more than twice in the past year? If so, then this is a tell-tale sign that you should replace it. The increasing number of repairs will hurt you financially and you want to do everything you can to prevent things from spiraling out of control. At this point, it will be cost-effective to replace your system. You also want to be careful with misdiagnosing the problem. A newer system that has undergone more than two repairs in a single year usually means that you are fixing the wrong thing. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, is not an indication that you need to replace your system but is something you should do as a responsible homeowner.
Strange Noises Are Coming From Your Furnace
Usually, furnaces will make a noise even after you turn them off, but if the noises are becoming excessively loud, then this could be a cause for concern. A loud furnace points to a number of different issues, including unsecured ductwork, an unbalanced motor, motor failure or deteriorating parts. Each problem varies in terms of severity and you will need to address those issues accordingly. If the parts are deteriorating, then this will usually mean that it’s time to replace your furnace (again, think about the age of your furnace).
You Want to Sell Your Home
When you go to sell your home, an appraiser is immediately going to notice that your heating system is not up to par. This will significantly affect your home’s resale value, which will deter potential buyers from wanting to purchase it. Everyone is always searching for the best value that’s available to them while shopping for a new home, which is why you should consider replacing your current heating system. An outdated furnace will make anyone hesitant to buy your home. Even if you’re planning to sell your home sometime in the immediate future, replacing your furnace now can save you a lot of trouble later on. A new and modern heating system will go a long way in attracting a potential buyer.
You’re Approaching Retirement
You’re on the brink of retirement and you’ve only got a couple of years left before it’s easy sailing from here on out. However, your heating system has been giving you trouble for the past several years, jeopardizing your personal comfort and well-being. A reliable source of warm air is extremely crucial as you are entering old age. As an American who is approaching retirement, you are much more susceptible to the effects of hypothermia, which can have a major impact on your health. Replacing your faulty heating system ensures that you will remain warm and avoid any major safety concerns.
If you’re still having trouble making a decision, you can always give us a call! One of our staff members can help you narrow down your options when it comes to repairing your furnace versus replacing it.