A furnace is one of those things most people hope to invest in maybe every few decades or so. And with proper maintenance, this is an entirely achievable goal. That said, there are times when you should consider a furnace replacement, which is what we discuss below.
Carbon Monoxide Issues
A cracked combustion chamber is one reason why a furnace may be emitting carbon monoxide (CO) into your home. It’s an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that can pose serious health risks if you and your family are exposed to it. In situations like this, a new furnace is the best option.
Signs suggesting your furnace is emitting CO include:
- Rust-covered pipes
- Soot streaks around the furnace
- Excess wall/window moisture
- No upward chimney draft
- A flame that’s yellow and not blue
- Headaches, nausea, and flu-like symptoms
Having an Aging Furnace
According to the Department of Energy, a furnace typically lasts from 15 to 30 years. If your heating system is around or beyond its anticipated lifespan, replacement is worth considering. What’s more, newer models are designed to be more energy-efficient, contributing to lower utility bills and improved comfort.
Repair Costs Exceed Replacement Costs
As a general rule of thumb, when repair costs get higher than 50 percent of replacement costs, it’s time to consider replacing your furnace. Make this determination by researching the average cost associated with the type of furnace you have now or one you would likely consider. For instance, a gas furnace is about $2,100 for a standard efficiency model and around $4,500 for a high-efficiency model.
Repairs Are Increasingly Frequent and Costly
A furnace is like an old car where repairs can get increasingly costly and frequent over the years. If this is what’s going on with your furnace, you would likely recoup your initial costs from what you’d save on with repair costs.
Your Furnace Is No Longer Efficient
Another reason to consider replacement is that your furnace is showing signs of decreased efficiency. For instance, you might notice that cycles need to run longer, or rooms may no longer get warm enough. Part of the reason for this may be that your furnace wasn’t sized correctly when installed, which is another reason to consider a replacement.
You May Be Selling Your Home Soon
Replacing your furnace may not boost your home’s value all that much. What this step can do, however, is make your home more appealing to potential buyers. At the very least, potential buyers could use an older furnace as an excuse to negotiate your asking price downward.
Call Us Today
If you’re still on the fence about furnace replacement, contact Christian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical. We’ll give you an honest opinion after checking out your current heating system. If a replacement is right for your situation, we’ll help you make a choice that’s suitable for your comfort needs and budget.
Call us today to explore your furnace replacement options.
References:
https://blog.smarttouchenergy.com/should-i-repair-or-replace-my-furnace
