As the chilly Utah nights settle in, the last thing you want is an aging furnace that can’t keep up. Weak, uneven, or inefficient heating can leave your home uncomfortable and drive up energy bills. If your furnace keeps needing repairs, it may be time to consider whether investing in a furnace replacement would be the wiser choice.

Repairing a furnace with a limited lifespan can become costly and may not solve underlying issues, leaving you with more frustration down the line. Making the right decision now can ensure your home stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the winter.

In this blog, we’ll break down five key factors every homeowner should consider when deciding whether a new furnace is the best move for their home and budget.

1) Safety: When Your Furnace Needs Immediate Attention

Safety should always come first. If your heating system poses a hazard—like the risk of carbon monoxide leaking into your home—repairing it isn’t enough; a full furnace replacement may be necessary.

Watch for warning signs such as rusted pipes, streaks of soot near the furnace, excessive moisture inside your home, or a yellow (rather than blue) burner flame. Noticing any of these issues is a clear signal to act quickly to protect your household.

2) System Lifespan: Understanding How Age Affects Your Furnace

How long ago was your heating system installed? Furnaces typically last about 15 to 20 years, give or take a few years. If yours is older, that doesn’t necessarily mean repair is impossible or impractical. But it does mean you’ll likely need to replace your furnace sooner rather than later.

3) Performance: Signs Your Furnace Is Struggling

A well-functioning furnace should keep your home evenly heated and maintain a consistent temperature with minimal adjustments. Watch for these signs that your system may be losing efficiency:

Some rooms are consistently warmer or cooler than others.
You frequently adjust the thermostat to stay comfortable.
The furnace struggles to reach the desired temperature.
Heating your home takes longer than it used to.
Airflow feels weak or inconsistent.
Repairs are becoming more frequent or increasingly serious.

If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to consider furnace replacement to restore reliable, predictable heating throughout your home.

4) Efficiency: How Upgrading Can Lower Energy Bills

Compare your most recent heating bills to those from last winter. If you see a significant difference, chances are your furnace is becoming less efficient. Repair may help, but it’s a good idea to do some quick math. Installing a new high-efficiency furnace could slash your monthly bills enough to allow you to recoup the investment in just a few years.

5) Cost: Repair vs. Furnace Replacement

To decide if you should repair or replace your furnace, you need to know the cost for each option. As a general guideline, if the price of fixing the heating system is more than one-third that of installing a new furnace, experts recommend replacement – particularly if the equipment is beyond 75 percent of its life expectancy.

Need Furnace Replacement? Black Diamond Experts Can Help

Is your furnace on the fritz? If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area or anywhere along the Wasatch Front, the highly-experienced HVAC technicians at Black Diamond Experts Drains, Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air can help you determine whether repair or replacement is the right choice for you.

Black Diamond Experts services and installs all types and brands of heating systems. Our team also offers preventive furnace maintenance to help northern Utah homeowners remain warm and cozy all winter, regardless of how cold it gets outside. For more information, or to schedule a consultation to repair or replace your furnace, contact us today!