When temperatures suddenly make the switch from warm to downright cold, it’s important to have a heating system that can keep your family warm and comfortable. Your furnace becomes a lifesaver during the colder months of the year — but there may come a time when you hit a few bumps in the road. Your heating system can experience a wide range of problems over the years, from broken blower components to a cracked heat exchanger.
If you’ve encountered a problem with your heating system, you probably have many questions racing through your head. Namely, should you repair or replace your furnace? It’s not always easy to know the best solution, especially if you’ve never scheduled a replacement before.
When comparing furnace repair vs. replacement, there are a few key factors you should consider. Keep these four important factors in mind to find the right solution for your needs.
Determine Your Furnace’s Age
If you’re unsure if you should repair or replace your furnace, the first thing you should do is determine your heating system’s age. On average, furnaces have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. If you want your furnace to last longer than 15 years, you need to keep up with regular maintenance.
Are you unsure how old your heating system is? You can check your furnace for a serial number. Many manufacturers have furnace age charts that you can use according to the serial number. If you’re unable to find the serial number, you can always get in contact with an AC/Heat technician for assistance.
It’s important to know how old your furnace is because it can help you determine if it’s time to repair or replace the system. So, you might be wondering, “My furnace is 20 years old. Should I replace it?” When it comes down to it, there’s a good chance that you’d benefit more from a replacement than a repair. Your furnace isn’t likely to last much longer. Plus, you’ll especially want to consider a replacement if your furnace makes strange noises, disrupts your comfort, or emits carbon monoxide.
Consider Your Repair Needs
Does your furnace experience frequent problems that require costly repairs? Or, on the other hand, does your furnace only need minor repairs once in a blue moon? It’s important that you’re able to answer these questions. If your furnace requires frequent repairs, it may end up being more cost-effective to schedule a replacement. This is especially true for older furnaces that may be nearing the end of their service lives.
When discussing the merits of furnace repair vs. replacement, it’s crucial to be aware of your repair needs. It can be frustrating and costly to constantly pay for repairs, especially if there might be a better, more advantageous alternative waiting.
Monitor Your Heating Bills
When learning if you should repair or replace your furnace, don’t overlook your heating bills. If you’ve noticed that your energy bills are higher than normal, there’s a good chance that your furnace is losing its energy efficiency. This is a major problem, especially since poor energy efficiency can lead to frequent repairs and insufficient heating.
The older a furnace gets, the less energy efficient it becomes. Of course, a lack of furnace maintenance can also play a role in energy efficiency loss.
If you’re tired of paying for high heating bills, it’s likely time that you schedule a replacement. There are many benefits to installing an efficient furnace, including improved comfort and a potentially longer furnace lifespan.
Examine Your Heating Requirements
Is your heating system the right size for your home? One sign that your furnace is the wrong size is short cycling, which is when the system repeatedly turns on and off. Short cycling is certainly a cause for concern since it can lead to extensive wear and tear and may require you to have your furnace repaired.
If you’re unsure if you should schedule a repair or replacement, get in touch with a professional AC/Heat system installer. An expert will let you know if your current unit is too big or too small for your home.
When determining if you should choose furnace repair vs. replacement, don’t forget to consider all possibilities. If your furnace is the wrong size for your heating needs, then a repair will likely end up being an inadequate solution.
Upgrade Your Comfort With an AC/Heat Replacement Today!
Should you repair or replace your furnace? This question isn’t always easy for homeowners to answer. If you need help finding the best solution for you and your family, turn to Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing!
Our experienced technicians can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of furnace repair vs. replacement depending on your situation. We specialize in a wide range of heating and air conditioning services, including installations and replacements.
If it’s time to replace your unit, our team specializes in heating maintenance, repair, and installation. We’ll go above and beyond to ensure your home heating needs are met. Contact us today to schedule a heating installation in Tucson, AZ, or the surrounding area!
