When your furnace begins to malfunction, you must decide whether your unit requires repair or replacement, which can be overwhelming. Each option has its pros and cons, but your decision can determine how much time, money, and energy you save. Furnace repair services can handle minor issues, but if your furnace is old or needs frequent, expensive repairs, then furnace replacement would be the better option from a long-term perspective. There are important factors that need to be considered before making a decision.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Furnace Repair or Replacement
When assessing your situation, the following are some considerations you should be thinking about when determining if you should choose furnace repair service or replacement:
1. Age of the Furnace
Furnaces typically last about 10 to 15 years, and after this point, repairs will become more frequent and expensive. Older models will be more expensive when it comes to energy efficiency, as your energy bills will be higher, along with the repair costs. Continuing to repair items over 10 years of age may be more expensive over time, as it would be more cost-effective to replace them.
2. Frequency of Repairs
Consider how frequently you call for a professional to repair your furnace. If you are calling for repairs several times throughout a season, the expense of these repairs can accumulate over time. The price of the repairs may reach the value of the furnace, in which case, you may consider replacement of the furnace.
For example, suppose you have had to repair your furnace for two major component repairs within a year, such as replacing the heat exchanger. In that case, it may be more cost-effective to consider replacing the furnace to avoid ongoing repairs.
3. Energy Efficiency
An older furnace, especially if it’s past its prime, is often much less efficient. Even an energy-efficient furnace from years ago can be over 30% less efficient than newer models. As a result, your heating bills will gradually rise over time. Replacing your outdated furnace with a newer, high-efficiency model can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower your heating costs.
Consider the following example:
- Old Furnace (60-70% efficiency). These furnaces are more costly to operate as they use more fuel, increasing your monthly energy bills.
- New Furnace (90-98% efficiency). New models are less costly to operate as they use less fuel, reducing your heating bills, and can also improve the comfort of your home.
4. Cost of Repairs vs. Replacement
Another condition of a cost-effective approach when getting a furnace is comparing a repair on the furnace vs. replacement. If gas furnace repairs exceed 50% of the estimated cost for a new furnace, replace the furnace rather than opting for a repair.
5. Safety and Health Risks
There is a significant health risk of worn-out gas furnaces that are replaceable. If there is a heat exchanger, a furnace gas blower would increase the risk of gas poisoning. Causes of furnace issues and not being able to perform repairs may lead to furnace replacement and installation.
When Furnace Repairs Become Costly?
Knowing when your furnace repairs are costly helps you to make informed choices. When repairs for your furnace become as frequent as for major parts, it is more economical to have the unit replaced.
Blower Motor Replacement:
The function of a blower motor is to keep air flowing and to move the air that the furnace has heated into your living space. If the blower motor stops working, you will quickly find that the furnace will become useless and its ability to heat your home will be lost.
Heat Exchanger Replacement:
Heat exchanger replacement is one of the most costly repairs when it comes to a furnace. A heat exchanger is crucial in that it helps move heat into the air that is flowing through your house. If the heat exchanger becomes damaged and cracks, it may lead to severe consequences, including the danger of exposure to carbon monoxide.
Control Board Malfunction:
The control board is the central processing unit of the furnace, coordinating all functions from igniting the furnace to monitoring temperature changes. Should the control board fail, the furnace may not turn on at all or may turn off during use.
Environmental Considerations: Repairing Versus Replacing
Besides the economic and safety factors, the environmental consequences also come into play when determining whether to repair or replace the furnace. Older furnaces operate at a fraction of the efficiency of modern equipment, leading to increased fuel consumption and elevated carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental Factors Regarding Repairing a Furnace
Repairing a furnace that is in poor condition does not mean that the furnace will operate in a more energy-efficient manner. If the furnace consumes fuel in large quantities and emits greenhouse gases in excessive amounts, repairing the unit is not environmentally defensible.
Environmental Factors of Replacing a Furnace
In the case of the newer furnaces, you will find Energy Star-rated models that are designed to operate more efficiently, and as a result, use less fuel and reduce the carbon footprint associated with the residence. By replacing a furnace with a high-efficiency model, you will reduce energy costs and improve the environment.
Also, several of the newer furnaces use environmentally friendly refrigerants that are not as damaging as the refrigerant gases found in older furnaces.
Conclusion: Get Your Furnace Inspected by the Pros!
As the weather cools and your home becomes more dependent on reliable heating, ensuring your furnace is in top condition is essential. A professional inspection not only keeps your system running efficiently but also helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Apollo Air Heating & Cooling is your trusted HVAC contractor in San Antonio, TX, from whom you can obtain expert repair services as well as replacement options that are tailored to your home. Schedule your furnace inspection services with Apollo Air & Heating today, so repair or replacement options can be fully evaluated.