Should I Repair or Replace my Furnace?
There comes a time when you have to make an important decision about the future of your home’s furnace. Should you repair or replace it?
When it comes to furnace replacement, there are several things you should consider. If you have an older unit, it could make sense to replace it. After all, repair costs for older furnaces can add up, especially after the 10-year mark has passed.
Another thing to consider is the cost of a new heater. At Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning in Seattle, we know that replacing a furnace is a significant investment. You should determine if your budget can afford the costs of a new unit.
Before you make a decision, though, it is important for you to take these and other factors into consideration. Let us explore some factors in detail that can help you to determine whether to repair or replace your old furnace.
How Old Is Your Furnace?
Typically, furnaces can last at least 15 years. However, the life expectancy of your heater depends on how well it is maintained, frequency of use, and the manufacturer.
The efficiency of older furnaces decreases each year that you use it. By the time your unit is 10 years old, its efficiency can decrease by as much as 50%. Decreased efficiency can result in increased energy bills since inefficient furnaces use a greater amount of energy than efficient ones.
Older heaters also aren’t as reliable as newer ones. They tend to break down more frequently. This can result in emergency repairs and an uncomfortable environment.
Signs Your Furnace Is Breaking Down
Dealing with an inefficient furnace can be frustrating. Not only will it stop working, but its parts can also break down one by one.
One month your heater’s blower may stop working. A few months later, you could notice a leak. With an inefficient furnace, you never know what to expect.
There are dozens of signs that indicate your system should be replaced. The room temperatures vary from one room to another. Strange sounds and odors are coming from your heater. Your home is extremely dusty. You can’t get comfortable in your home.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
An effective heating system maintains your home’s indoor air quality. When your unit malfunctions, your indoor air quality diminishes.
Indoor air quality affects much more than just the temperature in your home. It can also impact your health. This is especially true if you have allergies or a respiratory condition.
In addition, poor indoor air quality can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, sinus congestion, headaches, and sneezing. If the air in your house is drier than normal, an inefficient heating system may be the cause.
Cost of Furnace Replacement vs. Repairs
Depending on the costs, repairing your furnace may be a viable short-term solution. If your heater requires frequent repairs, costs can add up quickly.
Take a few moments to calculate your most recent repair costs. Schedule a consultation with our technicians at Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning to determine the cost of a new furnace installation. Then, take the time to compare these costs.
In the United States, the average cost of a new furnace is $3,100. The average cost to repair an old system is approximately $250.
If you have to repair your old furnace twice a year, you could spend $500 or more just for the repair services. Over time, it is better to invest in a new furnace than to pay for frequent repairs for an old one.
Furnace Burner Flame
Take a look at the flame in your furnace. It should be blue with a small yellow tip. When your heater isn’t working properly, the full flame changes to yellow.
This color change can indicate a serious problem with your furnace. In many instances, a yellow flame indicates incomplete fuel combustion. This may cause your unit to produce carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide can be harmful to your health and your home’s indoor air quality. If you notice a yellow flame, call on our trained professionals for immediate assistance.
Although the problem could be minor, you should not take any chances. The presence of a yellow flame could indicate that your furnace needs to be replaced. When it comes to possible carbon monoxide leaks, you should take care of the problem as quickly as possible.
Your Budget
The most important factor in furnace replacement is your budget. Can you afford to replace your furnace? If not, you can repair your heater as a short-term solution. This will give you time to budget for a new furnace in the future.
Our company tries to make purchasing a new heating system as affordable as possible. That is why we have installation financing options on approved credit. Financing includes short-term, long-term, and low-interest options. We accept most major credit cards, too.
If financing is not an option for you, we would be happy to provide you with an estimate of installation costs. That way, you can develop a plan to purchase your new furnace.
Check Your Home’s Ducts and Insulation
Your furnace is not the only thing that keeps your house warm. Ducts and insulation are responsible for maintaining the warmth and comfort in a home, too.
Before you replace your heater, get your ducts and insulation checked by a professional. Your heating problem may not be caused by your furnace. Instead, the causes could be leaky or clogged ducts and poor insulation. If your home’s ducts require cleaning, our trained technicians can do it for you.
Questions to Think About
Now that you know the factors to consider before replacing your furnace, you can carefully weigh your options. Here are a few questions to think about before you make your decision:
- Are your furnace bills higher than usual?
- Does your heater experience frequent cycling?
- Has your unit’s warranty expired?
- Does the air quality in your home feel uncomfortable?
- How many times have you repaired your furnace within the past two years?
It is normal to try to prolong the life of your heating system. Sometimes, it is better to let it go and contact our company to install a new one. A new furnace provides peace of mind and a comfortable home.
Call Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning for Furnace Services
At Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the guesswork out of replacing furnaces. Our technicians will perform diagnostic services that can let you know if your heater needs replacement.
Before we install your furnace, we will determine the correct size that your residence requires. Your new system must have enough power to provide heat to every area of your home.
After we determine the size, our team will order your new furnace. Count on us to remove and safely discard your old unit. After we install your new one, we will test it to make sure that it’s working properly.
Our company installs top furnace brands with generous warranties. If you have any problems with your new system, we can fix it for you. Other services we offer include a free energy consultation, heat pump installation, repairs, maintenance, water heater installation, and more. Call Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning today to book an appointment in the Seattle area.
