Furnaces typically last 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance, though when your furnace begins making noises or leaking water, or driving up your gas bill, it could be time for a replacement.
Decision-making on whether or not to repair or replace your furnace can be daunting, so here are some things to bear in mind when making this important choice.
If you’d like a professional opinion, you can rely on the team members at Anderson Air to help you make the right choice.
Cost
Furnace repair costs and potential replacement expenses vary based on brand, fuel type, parts, labor costs, and local pricing; on average, a high-efficiency furnace could run $2,500+, depending on the size and heating needs of your home.
If your energy bills have been steadily rising or you find yourself calling plumbing contractors more often for repairs, or your energy costs have suddenly escalated without apparent cause, it may be time to upgrade your system. Even with regular maintenance performed on older systems, they may still lose efficiency over time and cause increases to your heating bill each month – adding up quickly!
Furnace repair experts know exactly how to diagnose and address various problems. Furthermore, they have experience handling complex equipment while adhering to safety protocols and codes to minimize risks. By hiring professionals for this task, your warranty can also be protected while getting it done right the first time around.
Time
Furnaces typically last 15-30 years with proper care. Still, in order to extend their lifespan even further, it may be wiser to replace it rather than continue spending money on repairs that won’t give much extra life to it.
Replacement furnaces often take an hour or more, depending on the complexity of the problem, though some issues can often be solved much faster – for instance, fixing a faulty thermostat takes only 30 minutes or so, and clogged or dirty filters can usually be fixed within that hour.
On the other hand, some issues may be more difficult or impossible to address within a reasonable amount of time. A significant repair could take several days depending on its scope – if your furnace repairman takes too long to arrive, perhaps replacing it altogether may be a better option.
Energy Efficiency
An appropriately maintained furnace should last between 20-30 years with regular maintenance, though repairs can add up over time and make replacing an older model the smarter choice. Older systems also consume more energy than their more efficient counterparts, which can drive up utility costs significantly.
Air sealing and insulating your home are great ways to prolong its performance and lower heating costs, enabling it to do its job quickly and cost-effectively.
An efficient furnace can add significant value to your home if you plan on selling in the near future. This is especially important if your property is newer.
Safety
Furnaces represent a substantial investment, so you want to ensure that it provides your family with safe and efficient heating. A faulty or malfunctioning furnace could pose significant health risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Major furnace repairs can often be completed for an affordable cost, addressing issues that severely limit or inhibit your furnace’s performance. However, certain situations necessitate total replacement instead of repair.
If your furnace is 15 years or older, it’s time to consider purchasing a new one. Even with regular maintenance, any furnace will eventually reach the end of its lifespan and lose efficiency over time.
To determine its age accurately, check its serial number or contact its manufacturer; this can help determine which option would be more cost-effective long term; also keep in mind that a new model offers superior energy efficiency, saving on utility costs.