Should I Repair Or Replace My Furnace?
If you live somewhere where it's cold all the time, you most likely rely on your home's heating installation to make your everyday life comfortable. And even though they last a really long time - most modern furnaces have a lifespan of at least 20 years - eventually, you'll need to hire out an HVAC tech to perform much needed heating repairs. If the unit is on the verge of going out though, you'll probably also be presented with the option of replacing it entirely. Which one should you choose?
If It's Getting Old, Replace It
Unless you're sentimental towards your furnace for some reason, you should seriously consider getting a new heating installation once your furnace crosses the 15-year mark. Not only will they require more regular repairs as time goes on, but the maintenance will become more complex and thorough as well. Not to mention the fact that an old furnace is at risk of going out, so replacing it now will give you the peace of mind you need to get through the tough winter.
If Repairing it is Expensive, Replace It
When it comes to heating repairs, a good rule of thumb is that if your repairs for the entire year are over 50% of the cost of a new one (which normally run around $2500-6000), then you're financially better off to have it replaced rather than keep having repairs done. Plus, you'll also get a shiny new warranty to go with it, which means even if you do have problems in the future, they'll be taken care of at either a reduced price or at no cost to you.
If You Want to Upgrade, Replace It
Today's heating installations are really remarkable pieces of technology. While they obviously provide your home with much needed warmth, they can also do so extremely efficiently. Replacing your unit may help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy bills over the life of the heating installation, which can pay for the new setup several times over. Not only that, but if you're moving your house from one energy source to another - like electricity to gas - you'll most likely need to upgrade your unit so it'll run at all. Whatever your reason is, upgrading your heating installation can be one of the best things to help take your home's energy efficiency to the next level.