Repair Or Replace: What To Do With Your Furnace
As we're moving into the cold months of winter, many people are turning on their furnaces for the first time in a long time. When that happens, they may notice that their system may not be operating very efficiently, or it fails to even turn on. If that happens, your first step should be to call an HVAC company and have your unit inspected for you. Once they do, they'll most likely present you with a list of repairs they can get your unit operational, but may also suggest that spring is a good time for a brand-new furnace installation.
Which one should you choose? Considering the fact that furnaces last a really long time — somewhere between 15 to 20 years, depending on usage — you shouldn't have to make this decision many times in your life. Below are a few signs that you can examine to see if it's worth replacing your unit altogether.
If Your Furnace Is Old
Even though furnaces can last a couple of decades, once they reach the halfway point of that mark, you'll notice that the frequency of your repairs starts to intensify. Heating elements can become worn down, while the fan blades can start to chip and even detached completely. You can always schedule furnace repairs to take care of these issues piece by piece, but over time, it may be more financially advantageous to you to simply have the unit replaced altogether. Not only will it run more efficiently, but you also have a warranty that will protect you from future repairs for years to come.
If the Repairs Are Expensive
Look at your most recent repairs and add them up. If the cost of those repairs is more than 50% of the cost for a brand new unit, it may be worth it to have a new furnace installation performed. Even if it hasn't reached near the expected lifespan of your furnace's operational capacity, some units just break down earlier than others. Instead of constantly paying for furnace repairs, you may be better off getting a brand new furnace installed.
If Your Model Is Outdated
Even for homeowners that stay up-to-date on home technologies, it may surprise you to learn how efficient new furnaces can be. Newer models not only heat your home more efficiently and eliminate the variance from room to room, but they can also save you money in the process by lowering your utility bills. In some cases, they can even take up substantially less space than older heaters, which means it can be installed in more out-of-the-way places. Regardless, it's worth it to examine newer models for installation whenever you need to hire for furnace repairs.
For more information about furnace installation, contact a local HVAC professional.
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