Should I Repair Or Replace My Furnace?
Your HVAC system is something you depend on, to keep your family comfortable and sleeping well all year long. When you get a cold snap and your furnace goes on the fritz, one of the questions everyone asks is “Oh no, does this mean I need a new furnace? That’s going to be expensive!”
Just like your car, your furnace works hard for you, and when it breaks down, repairs can range in cost from the very simple to the more expensive. When repairs are needed more and more frequently, say two or three times in a heating season, and if your system is 12 or more years old, it’s time to start considering the tradeoffs between repairing your current system and replacing it.
Here at Compass Heating and Air, we’ve been working with homeowners in and around East Dundee IL for many years, and we have worked hard to treat each and every customer like family. And that means being honest with you about the things you should consider and balance when making a big decision about whether it’s time to replace your furnace.
Repair Or Replace: Factors To Consider
- Age of Your Furnace
Most furnaces last 15–20 years. If your furnace is older and requires significant repairs, replacement starts to become a consideration. Newer HVAC systems will be more energy-efficient, and newer heat-pump- dual fuel systems like the Daikin VRV end up being more cost-effective by lowering your monthly energy bills. In addition, because of their higher efficiency, a new system may be eligible for rebates and tax credits, making a newer system more affordable as well.
- Frequency of Repairs
If you’ve needed multiple repairs over the past few years, those costs can quickly add up. If you have had to have your system repaired multiple times, it’s time to start considering whether you are going to spend more money on repairs (especially if needed during off hours or holidays, when it’s more expensive to get help) that should be invested in a new system instead. - Balancing the Cost of Repair vs. Replacement
A good rule of thumb: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new furnace, it’s time to replace. That said, also consider what’s happening to your monthly energy bills. If you are noticing that you are spending more and more every month on heating than in the past, the efficiency of your system may be dropping, and newer system, while an upfront cost, night actually lower your monthly bills.
- Energy Efficiency- lower your monthly costs while getting better comfort
Older furnaces are less efficient, often operating at 60–80% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). New models achieve 90–98% AFUE, saving you money on energy bills over time. And here in East Dundee, systems like the Daikin VRV Life systems can use a combination of heat pump and other fuel to give you maximum efficiency as well as comfort- and that’s a win for your monthly budget. - Uneven Heating
Cold spots in your home or inconsistent heating can signal a failing furnace or ductwork issues. If the furnace is the problem, replacement might resolve these issues. - Unusual Noises
Banging, rattling, or squealing sounds often indicate worn-out parts or more severe issues. Repairs may help, but repeated noise problems can mean it’s time to consider a new system. - Frequent Cycling
If your furnace is constantly turning on and off, it’s struggling to maintain temperature, which could signal a failing.
The Bottom Line
It’s no surprise to anyone that regular maintenance and care will help extend the life of your furnace and HVAC system.
Our experts here at Compass can come out and inspect your furnace, tune it up and inspect your ductwork, to see if something simple like blocked vents or dampers are causing your problems. We also recommend a yearly furnace tune up and maintenance, as well as regular filter changes, to help keep your system, whatever the age, functioning at its best. (And it helps maintain your warranty!)
If your furnace or heating system is leaving you out in the cold, give us a call today. We’ll come out and help you get your system back up and running, and if it’s showing signs of needing to be replaced, we can help you plan for that eventuality in a way that helps save you money and won’t leave you out in the cold.
