When your furnace starts behaving problematically, you’ll be faced with the decision of having it repaired or replacing it altogether. While you probably would like to avoid replacing a unit that’s mostly in good condition, you also don’t want to risk paying for a costly repair when you’ll just need to replace the unit in the near future. Use the guide below to make the smartest choice for your comfort and wallet.

Guide to Choosing Between Furnace Replacement or Repair

When to Replace It

First, determine the age of your system. The average furnace lasts around 15 to 20 years, so if your system is nearing that age, then it will start losing efficiency and reliability. Its outdated technology and wearing parts mean that investing in a new system is worthwhile. You can even check with your utility company to see if there’s any tax credits or rebates you would qualify for when getting a new, energy-efficient model.

Think about how well your system has been performing. If you feel that you’re always turning up your thermostat or the system doesn’t warm up your home quickly enough, you may have the wrong one for your needs. Recent changes to your home may impact this as well. For example, if you’ve replaced your windows and doors or redone your insulation, then your energy efficiency has improved, and you can get a smaller unit that will cost much less to operate. If you’ve expanded your home, your system may now be working too hard to compensate for the extra workload.

How to Analyze Repairs

If your system is young and seems to be meeting your needs well, bring a heating contractor in to look at it. They will tell you what your unit needs and provide an estimate for the work. If your repairs will cost less than half the cost of replacing your unit, then repair is the right choice. If the furnace repair will cost more than 50 percent, then it’s worthwhile to spend a little more money upgrading to a new unit.

The Universal Refrigeration team are the trusted heating and air conditioning experts of Seattle, Tacoma, and Auburn, WA. Since opening their business in 1985, they have become a top contractor working with all types of models and keeping up with the latest energy-efficient technology. Their staff can help you determine the best choice for your furnace, and offer low-cost service contracts to keep it in top condition over the years. Contact them online or at (253) 939-5501 to get started!