Furnace Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for You?

A furnace provides warm air during cold months to keep your house comfortable. There are four main types of furnaces: gas, electric, oil, and propane. It’s a good asset when it’s working correctly. However, when your furnace breaks down, it can leave you with a cold home when you least expect it.

Is your furnace operating at peak performance? If not, you might have to decide whether to repair or replace it. But which is right for you? It’s one of many heating and air conditioning decisions you must consider while in your home.

Choosing furnace repair or furnace replacement is another challenge for homeowners. As the leaders in heating replacement services in the Fayetteville, NC, area, we’re here to help you decide whether furnace repair or furnace replacement is the better choice.

Furnace Repair vs. Furnace Replacement

Deciding whether you need a simple furnace repair or a complete furnace replacement can take time and effort. The age of your furnace should play a big part in making your decision. The expected lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, depending on the brand and model.

Beyond that, the system will start to have issues more often. Scheduling a furnace repair is usually the wise choice if your furnace is less than 15 years old.

When to Choose a Furnace Repair

You don’t have to worry about purchasing a new furnace and installation costs if you have a repairable issue. The repair cost is worth maintaining your system so it works for you during the coldest months of the year. Generally, you should choose a furnace repair when:

• A technician advises you to repair certain parts of your furnace. An HVAC professional can give you advice on which features to replace. Replacing a few pieces can keep your heating system running optimally.

• You have money in your repair budget. Decide on the maximum amount you will spend on a furnace repair. If you have cash available, schedule a repair to fix your furnace.

• You’ve had your furnace for more than 15 years with proper maintenance. While many furnaces last up to 30 years, you’ll start seeing an increase in issues after 15 years. Replace your furnace’s air filters and schedule regular maintenance to prolong its life. If you’ve done these things, you may only need to replace a part to keep it working efficiently.

• You’re selling your home. Schedule an inspection and replace the parts as needed if you plan to sell your house. You only need a short-term solution to keep it running until you move out.

• Energy costs are increasing. As a furnace ages, it needs more energy to provide warm air to make your home comfortable. If you notice a recent change in your energy bills, HVAC service in the form of a furnace repair might solve it.

When to Choose a Furnace Replacement

In many cases, you only need a furnace repair to get it running again. However, a severe issue might make your furnace unrepairable or expensive. In this case, a new furnace installation is the best option. Furnace replacement costs are more affordable than you might think — plus they provide peace of mind during the coldest nights of the winter.

You should consider a furnace replacement when:

• Your furnace is older than 15 years with proper maintenance history. An aging furnace breaks down more frequently and requires more expensive repairs. Even though a furnace has an average lifespan of 20-30 years, excessive use and improper maintenance can shorten its life. When you’ve had your furnace for 15 years, it’s an excellent time to begin saving money for a new one.

• You need to call an HVAC technician more often than previously. Your furnace will need more repairs during the last years of its life. If specific issues are becoming chronic, start thinking about a furnace replacement. Furnace costs can add to your other repair bills, making a new furnace an appealing option.

• Your energy bill increases each month. As your furnace ages, it requires more energy to warm the air in your home. The additional power needed causes a spike in your energy bills, making a furnace replacement a reasonable option.

• Your rooms have uneven heating. As a furnace ages, it loses the power to distribute heat throughout different rooms. If you notice that some rooms are cooler than others, consider a furnace replacement.

• You see soot around the registers. The registers of a furnace are the covers of the ventilation ducts that open and close and regulate airflow through your home. If you see soot on these registers, your furnace has too much carbon dioxide. Cleaning the registers should prevent airborne particles, dust, and dander from entering your rooms and affecting indoor air quality. If the amount of soot is excessive, consider a furnace replacement.

• Your furnace is emitting carbon monoxide. If the heat exchange on your furnace has a crack, it could leak carbon monoxide. Check to see that your carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly — they’ll show you if you have a faulty heat exchange. If it detects any carbon monoxide, evacuate your home, and please call an HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Trust the Experts at Gore Heating & A/C 

Our service technicians have been providing HVAC service since 1978. If you need air conditioning or heater repair service in the Fayetteville, NC, area, you can trust the experts at Gore Heating and A/C. We’re here to answer any heating and cooling questions you may have.

We proudly offer everything from furnace installations in newly constructed houses to geothermal heat pump replacements in older homes. Any project is manageable for our team! Contact us today!