If you’ve been told you’re in need of a fairly costly heating system repair, it can be hard to know when is the correct time to replace a furnace instead of spending money to fix an old system. To help you make a smart decision that aligns with your budget and surrounding client, we have compiled a list of signs you need to invest in a new energy-efficient furnace.
Should I Replace Or Repair My Furnace?
Your Furnace is Older Than 15 Years Old
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a furnace should last 15-30 years before you’ll need to replace it. The length of time it lasts depends on how diligent you’ve been about keeping preventative furnace maintenance appointments. But in general you’ll start to see components breaking down after that 15 year mark. An old furnace can be compared to an old car: it may run okay after each minor repair but you won’t be able to tell when the next problem will come.
A Furnace Repair Costs More Than Half as Much as a New Furnace
It can be hard to spring for one big price tag on a new furnace, but there’s really no sense in putting a huge chunk of money into fixing a furnace. If you are trying to determine when to replace a furnace in your living space, we do not recommend repairing an old system unless the total cost is less than 50% of the replacement cost. But if your furnace is beyond 3/4 of its life expectancy and you’re looking at a repair that’s close to half the cost of a new system, we recommend replacing it.
Tips & Insights: Why Does My Furnace Smell Funny?
Your Heating Bill is Increasing
If you notice a big difference between this year’s heating bills and last year’s, your furnace may be consuming too much energy which means it’s working harder. Its internal components will start to wear down and run less efficiently the older it gets. Remember in calculating your decision that a newer, high efficiency furnace will save on monthly energy bills for many years to come.
You’re Constantly Calling for HVAC Repairs
If you just called a licensed professional last month because of a furnace ignition problem, and now you’re feeling cool air coming out of your vents, you may need to replace your furnace if it’s close to 15 years old. However, if your heating system is fairly new and you’re dealing with constant repairs, it could be due to poor installation. We’ll give you our honest opinion about what’s going on with your furnace.
You Can Always Count on Snell Heating and Air Conditioning for Your Furnace Needs
We pride ourselves on keeping Sterling area HVAC customers warm every winter. Our team of professionals offers convenient furnace repair and furnace installation services in areas of Virginia such as Alexandria, Reston, Arlington, and Centreville. We promise to always give you an honest diagnosis as to whether you should repair or replace your furnace. Just give us a call if you have a furnace problem, and we’ll be happy to help.