It’s a question that we get a lot: is it better to repair or replace your furnace? The answer depends on a few factors. By the end of this article, you should be able to determine when you need to replace or repair your furnace. However, if you’re still not sure, schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC experts and they can help you decide.
Repair Your Furnace
Sometimes, it makes more sense to repair your furnace. In many cases, it’s more affordable and logical to get HVAC technician in and fix the problem. These are some of those situations.
1. Your furnace is relatively new or under warranty.
A furnace under warranty might be worth repairing. This is especially true if the cost of the repair(s) and/or labour and parts would be covered. Unless there are serious issues with the unit, it’s probably better to fix a furnace under warranty.
2. The problem is small.
If your furnace is experiencing a minor problem or one that’s easily fixed, such as a faulty thermostat or clogged air filter, it’s worth getting it repaired. It wouldn’t make sense to pay for a new furnace if your existing unit can be repaired quickly and cheaply.
3. The repair cost is less than 50% of the price of a new unit.
Typically, repairs that will cost you less than 50% of the price of a new furnace are worth doing. Instead of paying to replace the whole furnace, invest in the repair of your existing furnace.
4. Your furnace is still fairly efficient.
If your furnace is still quite efficient and not experiencing regular breakdowns or issues, you should probably just repair it. When a furnace is no longer efficient and it’s breaking down, then you might consider replacing it.
5. You can’t afford a new furnace.
In this scenario, it might be necessary to repair your current furnace. However, while a new furnace is a big expense, it can save you money in the long run on repairs and energy costs as it’ll be under warranty and run very efficiently.
Replace Your Furnace
On the other hand, there are several situations in which it is generally better to replace your furnace rather than repair it.
1. Your furnace is over 15 years old.
A furnace has an average lifespan of 15-20 years, depending on how well it’s maintained. And as furnaces age, they tend to become less efficient and may require more frequent repairs. Therefore, if your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue to pay for repairs.
2. The problem is severe.
If your furnace is experiencing a serious problem, such as a cracked heat exchanger or a faulty ignition system, it may be better to replace the unit rather than attempt to repair it. Call Spring Home and a comfort specialist can investigate the problem and advise you on the best course of action.
3. The repair will cost more than 50% of a new furnace.
As a general rule, if the cost to fix your furnace will be more than 50% of the cost of a new furnace, it’s better to just replace the unit altogether. It’s more cost-effective and you’ll have a brand new, efficient furnace with a warranty.
4. Your furnace uses an outdated fuel source.
If you’re experiencing other issues with your furnace and it’s fueled by a more expensive or less safe fuel source, you might consider getting a new furnace that’s powered by electricity or gas. These types of furnaces generally operate more efficiently and are more cost-effective.
5. Your energy bills are high.
If you’ve been noticing higher energy bills recently, it could be time to replace your furnace. If your bills are significantly higher than your neighbours or others in the area, it’s likely a sign that your furnace isn’t operating efficiently and that it needs to be replaced. Getting a new furnace should reduce your energy costs.
6. You’re experiencing frequent breakdowns.
If you find yourself paying for more and more repairs to your furnace and it’s really starting to add up, it could be time for a new unit. At a certain point, it becomes more cost-effective to replace the furnace than to keep repairing it. You’ll save on repair costs and energy costs since you’ll have a new, efficient furnace.
Repair or Replace Your Furnace with Spring Home
Whether you need to replace or repair your furnace, the comfort specialists at Spring Home are here to help. If you’re still not sure if you should replace your heating system or get it repaired, give us a call and one of our HVAC technicians will do an assessment and advise you.
Call Spring Home to repair or replace your furnace.
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The Spring Home team has been servicing the HVAC needs of the GTA for over 20 years. Our award-winning team of licensed technicians is committed to providing our clients with service they can trust and equipment they can rely on.