It may be time to replace your furnace, if you crank up the thermostat and nothing happens.
Hopefully, a simple and inexpensive repair can get your heating system up and running. But the reality is that fixing the furnace you already own may not be in your best interest. To make an informed decision about replacing your heating system, consider these five factors.
No. 1: Safety
If the heating system problem presents a safety hazard, such as the risk of poisonous carbon monoxide entering your home, you need to replace your furnace — repair is not an option. To identify potential threats, look for rusting on the pipes, streaks of soot near the furnace, excess interior household moisture and a yellow (not blue) burner flame.
No. 2: Lifespan
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.
No. 3: Predictability
Are some of the rooms in your home warmer than others? Do you constantly have to adjust the thermostat to stay comfortable? Does your heating system seem to be less powerful than it was last winter? Have repairs been getting more frequent or more serious? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to replace your furnace.
No. 4: Efficiency
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.
No. 5: Cost
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.
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 Electric, Plumbing, Heating and 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.
