As a homeowner, you know your furnace is an essential part of your home and one of the most expensive items to maintain. But when is the right time to replace your furnace? The answer can be complicated. In this blog, our experts at Prestige Air Heating & Cooling, LLC discuss three main reasons why a furnace requires replacement to help you know if it's time to upgrade your furnace.
How Do I Know If I Need a New Furnace?
Age
The age of your furnace could be the deciding factor when it comes time to decide if you should replace or repair it. The typical lifespan of a gas furnace is between 15-20 years. If your furnace is reaching this age, consider replacing it.
While repairing may seem more cost-effective at the time, you will save more money by replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model that helps reduce long-term energy costs. Not only will you save money on frequent repairs, but you will also notice a decrease in your monthly energy bills.
Wear and Tear
Furnaces are mechanical machines, so naturally, they tend to wear out over time. Every year, inspect your system for signs of wear or tear, such as:
- Corrosion
- Rust in the heat exchanger
- Visible damage to any parts of the unit
If you notice these problems, It is vital to have them checked out by a trained professional immediately, as they can create serious health risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
It is also essential to maintain your furnace regularly so professional technicians can identify any potential issues before they become significant problems.
Cost of Repair vs. Replacement
Sometimes repairs cost more than the price of a new system. If you find yourself paying for frequent repairs, that amount can add up to more than a new system. Before deciding what's best for you financially, get an estimate from an experienced technician who can tell you whether replacing or repairing is your best option.
Before making their recommendation, they will look at all factors, including age, efficiency ratings, and part availability. Some replacement parts for your current system may be difficult and expensive to find due to their age and lack of recent production runs.
Does Your Furnace Need to Be Replaced?
Keeping all these things in mind, several factors go into deciding whether or not it is the right time for you to replace your furnace. Taking preventive measures such as scheduling regular maintenance visits and regularly changing out air filters can help increase the longevity of your existing furnace. Still, sometimes even that won't be enough.
Ultimately, only you can decide when you should make this investment. If these three points apply, it's probably time for a new furnace.
A related article we think you will find helpful: Signs Your Furnace's Heat Exchanger May Be Failing
If you are still determining whether your furnace requires repair or replacement, our experts at Prestige Air Heating & Cooling, LLC are here to help! Contact us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment. (973) 755-2210