Should I Repair or Replace My Furnace?

It is easy to forget how much we rely on it, but the furnace is an essential piece of equipment in our homes. While it may keep working well for many years, there will come a time when there is a problem and you will need to either repair or replace the furnace. How do you decide which is the correct solution?

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace

• Age: 
  If your furnace is 12 to 15 years old, you may want to go ahead and have it replaced. Older furnaces break down more often and it may cost you more in the long run to repair it.  If it gets to a point when you need significant repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement.
• Increase in Energy Bills: 
  An older furnace is bound to work harder to provide the levels of heating it did when it was new. If your furnace is not energy efficient, it could be time to consider a new one. In some cases, the new furnace may pay for itself through lower utility bills.
• Lack of comfort:
  An inefficient and old furnace can result in some rooms being colder or warmer than others. If your home isn’t as comfortable and still getting some heat and the system is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace it.
• More Frequent Repairs:
  A furnace should be cleaned and maintained on an annual basis, but that doesn’t mean that it should need repairs that often. If you’ve had to call in an emergency furnace repair service more than twice in the past year, it’s likely that the furnace is about to fail altogether.
• Functionality: 
  Furnaces tend to make some noise when they turn on and off, but if those noises start to get progressively louder, it may be time to replace your unit. These sounds may come in the form of popping, banging, humming, or screeching.

Benefits of Replacement

While it can be expensive to replace a furnace, the benefits outweigh the costs in many cases. Some of these benefits include:

• Peace of Mind
• Long-Term Warranty
• Higher Efficiency Rating
• Quieter Operation
• Lower Maintenance Costs

The choice of whether to repair or replace a furnace is a big decision and one that you should not take lightly.