When your furnace is on the fritz, how do you determine whether repair or replacement is the right choice? The heating and cooling experts at Universal Refrigeration have been helping residents and business owners answer this question since 1985. Based in Seattle, Tacoma, and Auburn, WA, they’re here to help you decide what’s best for your particular heating system.

Let’s review how to tell if your furnace will benefit from a few repairs or a total upgrade:

• Age: Consider the age of your furnace. If it’s less than 10 years old, furnace repair is an option if issues surrounding the appliance aren’t severe. If the furnace is 15 years or older, an energy-efficient upgrade is usually the best choice. Repairs generally become more frequent with an older system. Energy efficiency is also an issue.
• Cost: Think about how much it costs to repair or replace your furnace. Up-front furnace repairs won’t cost nearly as much as a replacement, but if your system is older and lacking in energy efficiency, replacing might be best in the long run. The general rule: if the repair bill is about 50% of replacement cost, upgrading is the right choice.
• Efficiency: Review energy-efficient furnace options with the heating and cooling team at Universal Refrigeration. Where does your current system fall in terms of ENERGY STAR ratings? Have you noticed higher energy bills because your furnace is old and increasingly inefficient? A 15-year or older system lacking in energy efficiency should be replaced.

Other factors in determining repair or replacement include noise level, room-to-room comfort, equipment operation, and duct issues. For more information on furnace repair and replacement, contact Universal Refrigeration at (253) 939-5501 or visit their website.