While furnaces are crucial in keeping us warm in colder climates, they don’t last forever. Just like cars, they will require some repair during their lifetime but will ultimately require a replacement at some point.
But how can you tell when it’s time to replace your furnace? When should you simply have your heating unit repaired?
Here is a guide that will help you determine whether you should repair your furnace or if it’s time to get a new model:
How Old Is Your Furnace?
On average, furnaces can last up to 15 years or longer with preventative maintenance. But as your furnace gets older, it may not be worth it to spend money on expensive repairs.
So when you run into an issue with your furnace, check the year it was manufactured. To check the age of your furnace, open the door on the outside of your furnace and look for a label that lists the furnace’s serial number and search for the product online.
This label may also tell you the actual manufacturer’s date.
What Condition is Your Furnace In?
If your furnace typically runs well and remains energy-efficient, it is probably worth the cost of having it repaired.
However, if your furnace is in bad shape, it may be beyond an HVAC repair.
Ultimately, if your furnace is running in a way that poses a threat to your health and the health of your family, it is definitely time for a replacement. A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to enter your home.
It is always best to have trained repair technicians take a look at the issue to determine if your furnace is salvageable or should be replaced.
What Are the Costs of Repairs?
When you have trusted professionals take a look at your furnace, they will be able to give you an estimate as to the cost of repairs.
You can then compare this cost to what was mentioned above: the age and condition of your furnace.
For example, if you are looking at thousands of dollars to repair an old unit, it would be in your best interest to invest in a new model. Otherwise, if your middle-aged furnace requires minor repairs, this may be a more financially sound way to go.
What Can You Afford?
In the end, the decision between repairing or replacing your furnace comes down to what you can afford.
You’ll have to look at the cost of repair versus replacement, take into consideration the age and condition of your furnace, and compare your options to your budget.
Keep in mind, however, that newer furnace units often come with rebates and special offers. Also, a newer model will provide more energy efficiency and lower your overall heating costs.
Minor Versus Major Repairs
Unless your furnace has completely stopped working, it’s always possible to repair issues. However, the nature of the repair will help you determine whether you should repair or replace your furnace.
Minor Repairs
Minor repairs that don’t cost an arm and a leg include:
- Furnace Ignitor Replacement
- Furnace Pressure Switch Replacement
- Electric Furnace Sequencer Replacement
- Furnace Transformer Replacement
These minor repairs can cost anywhere between $250-$400.
Major Repairs
However, there are some repairs that require more work or more expensive parts, such as:
- Furnace Gas Valve Replacements
- Furnace Circuit Board Replacement
- Furnace Inducer Motor Replacement
- Furnace Blower Motor Replacement
- Furnace Heat Exchanger Repairs and Replacement
Depending on the type of furnace you have and the parts needed, major repairs can cost between $700-$3,500.
Warning Signs of a Failing Furnace
You can, of course, mitigate the costs of repairing or replacing your furnace by recognizing the signs that your furnace is beginning to fail.
Here are some warning signs you should look out for:
- Your energy bill is increasing. When a furnace is beginning to fail, it will have to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. As a result, you will notice an increase in your energy bill.
- You’ve had to repair your furnace multiple times in the past 2 years. On average, furnaces experience the most breakdowns during the last 2 years of their lives so constant repairs are a sure sign your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan.
- Your rooms are not heating evenly. If you are noticing some rooms are too cold and others are too hot, this means that your furnace is having a hard time distributing warm air evenly throughout your home.
- Your furnace is making strange noises. Old furnaces sometimes pop, bang, or rattle when something is wrong. Also, if you hear the furnace blower running more than usual, this is another sign that your furnace needs a repair or replacement.
If you notice any of these signs, that does not mean you have to run out and purchase a new furnace. A visit from HVAC maintenance services can help diagnose the issue and advise you on your next steps!
HVAC Maintenance for a Healthy Furnace
Before you have to grab the phone and call in emergency service for an emergency repair, consider having your furnace inspected on a regular basis.
Emitless is an HVAC service provider and our skilled team of HVAC technicians offers regular inspection and maintenance programs to ensure your furnace is running at maximum efficiency.
Plus, regular inspections mean that we can repair smaller issues before they become expensive problems!
Contact us today to learn more about our quality services and regular maintenance programs.
