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Your Furnace: Repair It, Replace It, Or Just Do Some Routine Maintenance On It?

22 April 2015

Frederick Hamilton

Is it time to repair your furnace? Or, is it time to replace it? Determining which is the right option isn't always easy. Added to that complication is you may only need some routine maintenance. The best way to tell which solution is right for you is to seek a professional opinion. However, here are some tips that can help you come to a decision.

Determining if You Need Maintenance

The truth is that you need routine maintenance for your furnace as well as for your HVAC system as a whole. This is not something you need to determine, it's a given. Many people go for long periods without even rudimentary maintenance on their furnace.

This negligence can turn into a need for repair or replacement. There's a lot of maintenance you can do on your own, but make sure you check the manufacturer's recommendations in your instruction manual or on their website first. Energy Star lists some basic maintenance points you should check. Set up a routine maintenance schedule with a professional furnace contractor.

Determining if You Need Repairs

Routine maintenance should help you spot potential problems and components that will soon need replacement. A professional can tell you if you're looking at a future of frequent repairs, or if a few repairs will keep the furnace going for several more years.

If you do pay attention to your maintenance schedule, and pay for needed repairs, it doesn't mean that you're okay. Despite you doing what you're supposed to do, you can still run into problems. Older furnaces, over 15-years-old, may need repairs more frequently.

If you're making frequent repairs, or if you notice your heating isn't as even as it used to be, then you may want to start thinking about replacing, rather than repairing.

Determining if You Need a Replacement

Replacing your furnace is solution that solves many problems. For example, even if your current furnace works fine for you, it's still viable to replace it simply to upgrade to something more energy efficient and modern. In a case like that one, you should balance your current energy and maintenance costs against your potential savings.

Mostly, disrepair will necessitate a replacement. But, it's important to remember that the cost of a new, modern furnace isn't cheap. You may find that even if you're making constant repairs to your current furnace, it will still allow you to save more money over time.

Figuring out if it's cost feasible is the kind of thing that requires you to put your thinking cap on and break out a calculator. You should also speak to a professional furnace service. They can help you in figuring out those numbers, especially if it's an appliance service that offers both repair and replacement services.

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