A furnace can last approximately 20 years with proper maintenance and normal use. However, this does mean that it has a limited useful life and will need to be replaced at some point. It can be hard to tell whether your heating system needs to be replaced today or if it can last a few more months with the performance of repairs. Our team at Fraas Heating & Cooling can help you decide whether to replace or repair your furnace.
Repairing a Furnace
Furnace repair is a good idea if it still has a significant portion of its useful life left. For instance, if a fan blade breaks five years after its initial installation, it will likely last for several more years with a new one.
Choosing to fix what is malfunctioning may also be ideal if the issue is a relatively minor one. For instance, if the heating system isn’t generating any hot air, it could simply mean that the air filter is clogged. It could also mean that there’s an issue with the thermostat. Replacing a thermostat or a filter can often be accomplished for $100 or less. This is significantly less than the cost of a new furnace and can be done in as little as a few minutes.
Finally, you may want to opt for repair if the furnace generally runs reliably and efficiently. If you don’t have to call a technician more than once every few years, you’re probably dealing with an isolated issue. Therefore, you’ll probably spend less time and money on maintenance in the long run by simply fixing whatever the issue may be.
The Case for Replacing Your Furnace
If your furnace is approaching the end of its useful life, it’s probably in your best interest to replace it instead of repairing it. It may be hard to source the parts needed if your system is old. It will be more expensive to make even routine repairs, and as the furnace ages, it’s more likely that additional issues will develop. At a minimum, you may want to consider making an affordable repair today with the goal of replacing the unit within a few months.
Modern furnaces are generally more efficient, easier to operate, and simple to maintain. If it has been more than a decade since your current system was installed, it may be worth considering if now is the time to upgrade your furnace.
Replacement may be especially worthwhile if you feel like your current system isn’t the right size for your house or is otherwise not a good fit for your needs. Speaking with someone from our team will help you determine what your options are and allow for professional insight that can help you make an educated decision.
The Money Factor
Money will play a significant role in your decision to repair or replace your furnace. Often, repairs are the least expensive option in the short term. However, if you’re constantly making repairs, they can eventually add up to more than the upfront costs of a new system.
There are steps that you can take to make the purchase of a new system more affordable. For instance, you may be entitled to tax credits or rebates from the manufacturer that defray a portion of the cost of a new furnace. You may also be able to use a source of financing to make payments over time.
It’s important to note that a new system may reduce your monthly energy bills. The money that you’ll likely save over the life of your new furnace may help offset some or all of the upfront cost of a new heating system. The fact that you don’t have to spend as much on future repairs is also something that might influence your decision in favor of replacing your existing furnace.
If you need help repairing or replacing the furnace in your Archbold, OH home, don’t hesitate to speak with our team at Fraas Heating & Cooling. We can also help with boiler installation or cooling system maintenance to ensure that your house is comfortable and efficient throughout the year. Routine maintenance can help keep your system in efficient and reliable condition.
Reach out to us at Fraas Heating & Cooling in Archbold today to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
