Repair Or Replace Furnace?
This moment can happen – there is no warm air rising from your vents, you crank the thermostat and the comforting sound of your furnace firing up does not resound through the house. Hopefully, it is a quick and inexpensive fix but occasionally the fix is big and costly.
The first step is to call Cumming Home Heating & Cooling or your local heating and cooling specialist, they will provide a detailed assessment of your unit. Then consider the key factors – the age of your unit, the cost of repair and how much money a more efficient unit will save on your utility bills.
Is It Time To Repair?
A simple repair may be all you need to solve the problem – replace the filter, install a new thermostat. These are simple and inexpensive fixes that will prolong the life of your furnace. The age of the unit plays a big factor in your decision — if the unit is less than 10 years old and well maintained, repairing is probably a good option. If this is your first repair or the repair costs less than 1/3 of the cost of a replacement unit then it is also a wise choice to repair your furnace.
Here are some reasons to repair your furnace from our supplier, Tempstar Heating and Cooling Products:
- The cost of repairs is less than one-third the cost of a replacement
- The unit is less than 10 years old
- The unit is still under warranty (see your warranty terms)
Is it Time To Replace?
A furnace that has been poorly maintained will lose its efficiency and run longer to provide the same amount of heat. The money for the repair and the loss of efficiency could easily pay for a new furnace: standard efficient furnaces (56% effic
ient) when replaced with a new high efficiency furnace will pay itself off in energy savings in 3-5 years. Most new furnaces come with or can be upgraded to a 10 year parts and labour warranty. This will save you money in the years to come if unexpected repairs are needed.
Have you repaired your furnace within the last 2 years? Furnaces often incur the most breakdowns within the last 2 years of their lives. This is another good reason to consider replacing your furnace. If your unit is 10-15 years old, you might be spending up to 20% more a year on your heating bill. Newer products fall under the ENERGY STAR® ratings, ensuring that the consumer has a selection of certified heating equipment that is optimized for energy saving performance.
An ENERGY STAR® furnace can enhance the comfort of your home, help you save money on your utility bills, and help protect the environment by preventing harmful carbon pollution and reducing greenhouse gases.
If you are considering replacing your furnace before an emergency repair is required you should also consider the advantages of a new furnace, including: quiet operation and better air flow with select models, especially for homes with poorly designed ductwork. These features will lead to a comfortable home for you and your family.
Here are some reasons for replacing your furnace from our supplier, Tempstar Heating and Cooling Products:
- The cost of repairs is near 50% of the cost of a replacement unit
- The unit requires frequent repairs
- Humidity problems that signal operating issues
- Warranty expirations
- High dust and low air quality problems
- The furnace is more than 15 years old, and the heat pump 10 years old
The decision to repair or replace furnace can be stressful; enlisting the help of a qualified HVAC specialist to provide you with accurate information can help ease the stress. Making the right choice for you and your family is important to Cumming Home – call us today if you have any questions about repairing your furnace, replacing your furnace (which is better to do before you have an emergency repair on your hands) or scheduling annual maintenance.
