Furnace
Furnaces may last decades if maintained properly, but eventually, they’ll need replacing or repair. When that time comes, it is crucial to understand whether repair or replacement would be more cost-effective.
There are various factors that play into this decision, such as how costly repairs will be and the energy efficiency of your furnace.
Considering factors like repair costs and energy efficiency is crucial when deciding between furnace repair and replacement; for top-notch AC and furnace services, check out Loveland’s premier AC repair service.
Typical cost of repairs
Longtime homeowners likely recall that fateful January night when their furnace stopped working. While some furnace issues are inevitable, others can be avoided or addressed early through regular maintenance and early intervention from a reliable service company.
Troubleshooting a furnace can be challenging due to all its moving parts. You can try some steps before consulting professional repairmen; for instance, check the power source, as the ignitor, blower fan, and control board all need electricity to function correctly.
Check your home’s breaker panel and locate which circuit controls your furnace; if it has been switched off by mistake, simply switch it back on – this might help remedy the issue!
If the ignitor of your system is malfunctioning, it may be time for replacement. An ignitor is a small part that creates sparks to heat air that enters through ventilation systems; typically, this part costs $150 to $250 in repairs or replacement.
The flame sensor is another essential piece that needs to be in working condition to protect users against carbon monoxide leakage properly. Flame sensors help ensure gas valves only open when fire is present in the burner, thus helping ensure safety against carbon monoxide emissions and leaks. Typically, they cost between $200 to $300.
Cost of replacement
A new furnace can be costly. Prices depend on several factors, including its model, size of the home/building, existing ventilation and installation complexity.
For an accurate quote, it’s wise to consult a professional installer, who can give an estimated cost based on information found on its label.
Furnaces with proper maintenance can last up to 25 years with proper care and can reach this lifespan. Still, as they age, they will lose energy efficiency, forcing your furnace to work harder to heat your home, resulting in increased wear and tear on the system possibly resulting in expensive repairs.
If your furnace is nearing its end, now may be an opportune time to consider replacement options. Your lifespan will depend on personal comfort preferences, temperature settings, local climate and air quality, and sudden temperature shifts between different rooms.
Replacing an appropriately sized new furnace would solve this issue and eliminate uneven heating problems. In addition, replacing older furnaces containing cracked heat exchangers, which allow carbon monoxide gas leakage into your home, can also be life-threatening.
Consider its life expectancy
Your unit’s working life depends on several factors, including its model and brand, installation date in your home and maintenance efforts. You can expand its lifespan with regular professional maintenance appointments; however, it may be time for replacement once it reaches 15 years old.
Warning signs for replacing your furnace include rising repair bills, difficulty controlling the temperature in your home and an increase in humidity levels. It’s wise to consider upgrading to save both energy and money.
One way to decide if you should replace or repair your unit is by comparing costs. If repairs cost over half of what a new system would cost, then consider a replacement.
Air leaks in your home are another telltale sign it’s time to purchase a new furnace instead of making repairs, which robs your house of all the warm air you work so hard to produce by your furnace. To reduce these leaks, seal all cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and any other points of entry around your house with caulking.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of your furnace is increasingly essential, particularly as fuel costs continue to soar.
You could reduce costs on your energy bill by upgrading from an older model with one that is more energy-efficient; the best way to make sure that this new furnace delivers maximum value for you is to have an audit performed by an energy professional and make other energy-saving improvements.
Adding insulation or switching off appliances when not needed once it comes time to replace them with something better suited to your region, such as installing windows with high AFUE ratings or hiring a heating contractor who can recommend one.
An Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating indicates how efficiently fuel is converted to heat in your home. Higher AFUE ratings represent greater efficiency; selecting one with such ratings may cost more upfront but could ultimately save money with reduced operating costs over time.
Your greatest option, if you have a natural gas or propane furnace is to get a medium to high-efficiency model. A good rule of thumb for selecting high-efficiency furnaces is an AFUE rating of 90 or greater; such units qualify as efficient models.
If your current furnace isn’t running efficiently, it might be best to replace it so you can save money in the long run. If you have a furnace that you’re unsure about, contact a professional for a second opinion.
