Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace? 6 Major Considerations
- Furnace Age. The age of your system is the first factor to consider. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years;
- Frequency of Repairs. The frequency of furnace issues that you cannot solve without an expert can indicate your furnace...
- Change in Energy Bills. If your energy bills are increasing...
Full Answer
Should you repair your furnace or just replace it?
When Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace?
- Repairing Vs. Replacing Your Furnace. ...
- Signs That Your Furnace Needs To Be Repaired or Maintained. Your system is difficult to start. ...
- Preventing Furnace/Heating System Failure. Homeowners can be proactive and prevent furnace issues before they occur by scheduling regular furnace maintenance and seasonal tune-ups.
- Contact Us. ...
Why now is the best time to replace your furnace?
When is it time to replace the furnace?
- A furnace age matters. The average life of a well-maintained furnace can be as long as 25 years. ...
- Cost effective fixes. Next you’ll want to consider whether it’s worth it to pay for current repairs or fork out to buy a new unit.
- Factor in energy savings. The final factor to consider is how cost-efficient it is to run your old furnace. ...
Do I really need to replace my furnace?
It depends on how old your furnace is and the cost to get a new furnace. A good rule of thumb is, no matter the age of the furnace, if the cost to repair is 50% of the cost of a new furnace, you should replace it. But for less expensive repairs, you should be less resistant to replacing the furnace the older it is.
What to know before replacing a furnace?
What to Know Before Replacing a Furnace
- Signs Your Furnace is Out-Of-Date. Age alone is often not enough reason to invest in a new furnace. ...
- Size. When the furnace reaches the end of its life, it can be tempting to just order another unit with the same heating capacity as your old one.
- Efficiency and Payback. ...
- Fuel Sources. ...
Is it worth repairing a furnace?
The Cost of a Repair Is Over Half the Cost of a Replacement. When comparing the cost of a repair versus a replacement, experts recommend replacing your furnace when repair costs exceed 50% of the cost of a replacement as a general rule.
When should you repair or replace your furnace?
The age of your system is the first factor to consider. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years; after that the system will start to fail more often. If your furnace is 10 years old or less, repairs should be effective. If it has reached 12 years or more, it's time to consider replacement.
Is it worth repairing a 20 year old furnace?
But for less expensive repairs, you should be less resistant to replacing the furnace the older it is. So, if the furnace is 20 years old, and the cost to repair the furnace is only 10% of the cost of a new furnace, you should probably replace it (because it's more likely to break down again soon).
How many years does a furnace usually last?
15 to 20 yearsTHE AVERAGE FURNACE LIFESPAN A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
Should you replace a 25 year old furnace?
The methods used by HVAC professionals to properly install and vent furnaces have even changed in the last couple of decades. So, if you're asking yourself if you should replace your 25-year-old furnace, the answer is a resounding yes!
Can a furnace last 30 years?
Regardless of the logic you follow, the 30-year mark is at or close to the maximum lifespan you should expect from your furnace. Even though furnaces can last 30 years or beyond, most experts recommend that you start shopping for a new furnace when your existing unit is 15 years old.
How much is a new furnace for a 1500 square foot home?
between $2,990 and $4,360The average cost to replace a gas furnace in a 1500-square-foot house is between $2,990 and $4,360. For a standard-efficiency gas furnace, a 60,000-80,000 BTU model is the best choice.
Should I replace furnace before it breaks?
All in all, furnaces should be replaced prior to breaking down in order to assist homeowners in deciding after careful research. This ensures choosing the right furnace, the right contractor, and getting the replacement at the right cost.
Does a 2 stage furnace really save money?
For two-stage designs, the DOE test procedure consistently shows a reduction in energy consumption by about 3% compared to single-stage furnaces at the same AFUE level. In contrast, the 2006 AHRAE test procedure shows almost no difference in the total energy consumption at the same efficiency level.
How do you know if your furnace is dying?
5 Signs Your Furnace Is DyingLoud operation. Furnaces make some noise when they run, but the sound of the burners and the fans isn't distracting and you're used to it as part of the sound of winter. ... Uneven heating. ... Short-cycling. ... High heating bills. ... You can't seem to get warm enough.
How long does it take to install a new furnace?
about four to eight hoursIf you're worried about not having heat while the installation is in progress, the good news is that most replacements won't take more than a day. On average, home heating companies can complete the installation in about four to eight hours, depending on the size of your house.
Which gas furnace is the most reliable?
What Brand of Furnace is Most Reliable? While each major brand has specific models that offer reliability and durability, many consider Trane, Lennox, Carrier, and Rheem as the most reliable furnace brands.
How efficient is my 20 year old furnace?
But keep in mind that the average useful life of a furnace is just about 20 years. Many furnaces that are 20 years old or younger operate at efficiencies at or above 70 percent efficiency. There is a quick and fairly accurate way for you to see how much money you might save each year on your heating bills.
How efficient is a 15 year old furnace?
As furnaces age, they lose their efficiency and waste energy. For example, a 10 to 15-year-old furnace can be only 70%-80% efficient or worse. So if you want to save money on your heating bills, getting a new furnace is a good idea. A furnace plays an essential role in keeping your home warm.
Should I replace a 40 year old furnace?
Be sure to look for the federal Energy Star certification that tells you the new system is energy efficient and helps to conserve diminishing natural resources. So while your older furnace may last 13 to 20 years, consider the many benefits of replacing an older furnace with a modern, new one.
Do furnaces lose efficiency over time?
Also, furnaces naturally lose efficiency over time. If you've had your system more than 15 years, the Energy Star program estimates you might save as much as 15 percent by upgrading to a new, high-efficiency model. Look for one with an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) between 90 and 97 percent.
How do you know when it's time to consider getting a new furnace?
Instead, you should spend some time and money to improve the energy-efficiency in other areas of your home and ensure that you perform regular, proper maintenance of your furnace to keep it lasting longer.
How to make sure your furnace is working efficiently?
Make sure your current furnace is operating efficiently by scheduling a tune-up.
How much does a gas furnace cost?
Gas burner equipment is less costly than oil burner equipment. A furnace that uses a gas burner will be around $1500 to $3000 and a furnace that uses an oil burner will be around $2000 to $8000. There is also a difference in terms of setting up an oil burner or gas burner.
How much does it cost to keep an oil furnace running?
It doesn't take long to spend $500 just to keep an old oil or natural gas furnace running. Furnaces incur the most breakdowns in the last 2 years of their lives. Another repair sign is whether you had to wait to get parts replaced. As a furnace ages, it gets harder to source replacement parts.
What does it mean when your furnace is yellow?
If you do have a natural gas or propane furnace, a yellow or flickering flame may be a sign that poisonous carbon monoxide could be created by your furnace. Other possible signs of carbon monoxide are: Streaks of soot around furnace. Absence of an upward draft in your chimney.
How old is a furnace?
1. Your furnace is 16-20 years old: A good place to start is to compare your oil or natural gas furnace age to the national average. The average life expectancy of furnaces in homes today is between 16 and 20 years. If your furnace is close to this age or older, you should begin shopping. Shopping for a replacement furnace in an emergency does not ...
Why are my energy bills going up?
Furnaces often lose their efficiency as they age, especially if they have not been properly maintained. As a result your oil or natural gas furnace may run longer to provide the same amount of heat.
What to do if your furnace isn't working?
On the other hand, if your furnace isn’t functioning at all and you suddenly find your home freezing, you’ll probably need a new furnace and should consult a professional for a replacement as soon as possible.
How to prevent furnace issues?
Homeowners can be proactive and prevent furnace issues before they occur by scheduling regular furnace maintenance and seasonal tune-ups. We offer a variety of maintenance options at Big Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning and our team aims to prioritize the comfort of our customers.
How long does a furnace last?
On top of a steadily declining efficiency, the average lifespan of a furnace is only 15 years. So, if your furnace is over 10 years old and you haven’t kept up with regular maintenance it might be time for a replacement. Taking the replacement route for an older system can also save you money in the long run!
How long does a furnace last?
The age of your system is the first factor to consider. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years; after that the system will start to fail more often. If your furnace is 10 years old or less, repairs should be effective. If it has reached 12 years or more, it’s time to consider replacement. If your furnace is more than 10 years old but having consistent issues, consult an expert.
Why is my furnace not heating up evenly?
If heat isn’t being distributed evenly, it tends to pertain to a duct issue in your home. If your home doesn’t heat up evenly, your home won’t be comfortable and your furnace will have to work twice as hard. This is a good time to call a repairman and determine whether the issue is your duct system or if a furnace replacement is necessary.
Why does my furnace make a rattling noise?
This can also result in a lack of ability for your furnace to properly moisturize the air, resulting in dry or stale air quality in your home. These are good indications that your heating system needs replacing.
What does it mean when a furnace is yellow?
If the flame is yellow, it’s an indication that the fuel combustion is incomplete and your furnace could be producing carbon monoxide. In this instance, call an expert right away. A minor repair could be in order; however, it could be an indication that your furnace has worn out.#N#If you are looking to prevent several costly repairs, a proper inspection of your heating system will help determine what repairs, if any, are needed to keep your furnace working its best this winter. The last thing you want is to find out your furnace needs substantial repairs or replacement when we’ve already hit sub zero temperatures. Contact the experts at Sedgwick today and keep your home warm and cozy this season!
Can a furnace bounce back?
The frequency of furnace issues that you cannot solve without an expert can indicate your furnace is no longer able to bounce back. Attempting to keep an unreliable furnace functioning means potentially having no heat on cold days, and it could also end up costing you more in the end. Here are two rules of thumb to keep in mind:
Is my furnace going down?
If your energy bills are increasing without an increase in usage, your furnace efficiency is definitely going down. Your furnace may be working twice as hard to create the same amount of heat. This is the first sign that it’s time to call in the experts and find out whether your furnace has seen better days.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace? 5 Questions to Help You Decide
We get it all the time…the “R&R” question. Often when we talk about R&R, we usually mean Rest and Relaxation, but in the HVAC industry, that R&R question means “Repair” or “Replace,” and we get it a lot. Especially when winter sets in.
Here are five questions to ask yourself that will help you make that decision
If your furnace is unsafe, the cost of replacing it is insignificant compared to the value of your life.
Second, how old is your furnace?
The average lifespan of a home furnace is typically 15-20 years. Some high-end systems may last up to 25 years. However, just like with cars and human bodies, the older the system, the more things break down from routine wear and tear.
Third, is your furnace making noises or not keeping up with your thermostat?
If you hear strange rumblings and rattlings when your furnace kicks on, that’s a sign that something is wrong. No unit should sound like the growl of an angry dragon when it starts up.
Fourth, are you considering selling your home in the near future?
If you are thinking about selling your home, one of the best investments you can make is to update your furnace.
Fifth, how long will you be in your present residence?
Believe it or not, we have a “furnace formula,” that will help you decide whether to repair or replace your furnace.
ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help!
We NEVER try to make you buy something you don’t need. Believe me. I get it. Furnaces are both necessary and expensive. Even in Florida, we need heating at least part of the year.
How to tell if furnace needs replacement?
Signals that your furnace may need either a pro’s attention or replacement include unusually high utility bills, rooms heating unevenly or a screeching or squealing noise, which may indicate a blower motor problem .
Why is my furnace running short cycle?
Outdated furnaces generally use more energy than new models. Also, an older unit may be oversized, which can cause it to “short cycle,” or turn on and off more often than needed. Upgrading to a newer, smaller furnace may reduce your energy bills and increase your comfort level.
How do you know if you need to replace a furnace?
A sure sign you need to replace your furnace is shock when you open your energy bill. If your bill has shot to the stratosphere, your furnace is not running efficiently and needs a check at a minimum.
How long does a furnace last?
On average, a furnace is expected to last 15 to 20 years, so if your heating system is older than that, it might be time to replace it. You can check your furnace’s age by looking the model number up online.
How do you know if it's time to replace a heater?
One sure sign it’s time to replace your heater is if it heats the rooms unevenly. There should not be a noticeable difference between the temperature of the living and bedrooms, for example.
Can a heating unit crack?
The exterior of your heating unit can also damage with age. Usually, the unit will crack or get rusty, and if it has, it’s time to replace it. Cracks are especially dangerous as carbon monoxide can leak out of them.
Can a heater dry out the air?
Even if your heater isn’t equipped with a humidifier, it shouldn’t dry out your indoor air excessively. Dry indoor air can ruin your wood furniture and flooring. It can also create excess static in the air.
Can Vredevoogd repair a heater?
Finally, Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling is happy to repair your heater any time it needs it, but we shouldn’t be coming too often. If we are, it’s time to replace your heater. This saves money in the end.
What is the warranty on a furnace?
In addition to the age of your furnace, the status of the warranty on your furnace is another important consideration to take into account. This is mostly due to the fact that the status of a warranty impacts the cost of replacement – and the value you can expect to get from the part going forward.
How long does a furnace last?
The reality is that furnaces, like all things, wear down over time. The typical lifespan of a furnace is about 20-25 years, and the expected value you can get from a furnace decreases with use and age. So, if your furnace is 10 years old, it may be worth it to spend $1,000 on a repair, but if the furnace is 20 years old it’s almost certainly better ...
How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?
Here are a few common parts that may cause issues or need to be replaced, along with expected cost to repair: Blower motor replacement: $500 – $700 in parts and labor. Control board replacement: $500 – $700 in parts and labor. Inducer motor replacement: $500 – $700 in parts and labor.
Can you switch out a part?
Anyone can switch out a part, but accurately diagnosing the underlying cause takes a higher level of expertise – and it’s an essential part of actually solving the problem in a way that ensures it doesn’t happen again.
Is it worth replacing a heat exchanger?
Heat exchanger replacement: almost always worthwhile to replace the entire furnace. Replacing a heat exchanger is like replacing the entire motor on a car.
When to Replace Furnace – Variables to Consider
Making an informed decision on when to replace a furnace involves determining the actual replacement cost; comparing the life expectancy of your current model versus a new one; and taking into account your history of furnace problems with the existing system.
Not Ready to Replace? – Cost of Furnace Repair
Due to the variety of types and sizes of home heating systems, generalizing the cost of furnace repair can be tricky. And that makes knowing when to replace furnace parts – or the whole furnace – tricky as well. Keep in mind that the best way for you to get an accurate assessment of your system is to contact a trusted, professional HVAC technician.
How long does a furnace last?
Household systems and appliances don’t last forever. The average lifespan of a furnace is typically between 20 and 30 years old. If your home is around that age and you still have the original furnace, you should be preparing yourself for the inevitable. It may be time for an upgrade.
Why does my furnace bill go up?
Over time, furnaces lose efficiency, particularly if they haven’t been regularly maintained . As time goes on, you may find you need to run your furnace longer to get that same toasty, warm feeling. Naturally, the longer you run it, the more oil or natural gas you use. Instead of spending so much on your monthly utility bill, it might make more sense to invest in a new energy-efficient model.
Can a furnace leak carbon monoxide?
It’s not uncommon for older furnaces to develop cracks in the heat exchanger. When this happens, carbon monoxide could leak into the home undetected. This is why it’s recommended to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. If you don’t and haven’t been feeling well, your furnace could be to blame. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include frequent headaches, nausea, disorientation, burning in the eyes or nose, as well as other general flu-like symptoms. If you or any members of your family are experiencing symptoms like these, call a technician immediately. In the meantime, air out your house by opening windows.
Is it a good idea to have a new furnace?
Of course, a new furnace can be a big expense, so it’s always best to care for the one you have for as long as you own it. Regular routine maintenance is key. Regardless, repairs from time to time are not uncommon. Repair costs can still add up. An American Home Shield ® Home Warranty Plan is a smart way to protect your budget and control the hassles of repairing your furnace, as well as other household system components and appliances.
Do furnaces need to be repaired?
It’s not surprising that as furnaces age, they may need more and more repairs to keep running. They’re like cars in this sense. And just like with cars, when the cost to repair repeatedly adds up to more than the cost to replace, then it just makes sense to look at getting a new one. Typically, furnaces have more repairs in the last two years of their lifetime than during any other time. So if you’re noticing more repairs than in the past, a new furnace should probably be in your near future.
