Should I Repair or Replace My Furnace?
The winter months are rolling in fast this year, and that means many of us are turning up the thermostat and kicking on our furnaces. With cold weather, however, comes the unpleasant possibility of furnace malfunctions. No one likes to switch their thermostat over to ‘heat’ only to find that, instead of warming their home, their furnace isn’t doing much at all. But, hey, it happens! And when it does, you may find yourself asking which is better: repairing your furnace or replacing the system altogether.
Not to worry—the experts at Signature HVAC are here to give you the lowdown on repairs versus replacements.
When to Repair Your Furnace
When your furnace goes on the frit, it’s not always a death sentence. In many cases, calling for repairs is both simpler and cheaper. Here’s when repairing your furnace is probably the best bet:
- Your system is new or relatively new, at least. If your system has been installed more recently, odds are that your repair bill isn’t going to look too bad. More modern systems are also more efficient and don’t require old, obsolete parts to repair.
- The cost for repairs is 50 percent or less the cost of replacements for your system. This is really just a rule of thumb, but if your repairs aren’t all that expensive, there’s probably no need to tear out your entire system. That is, unless you find yourself needing to call in for repairs more and more often!
- You just need maintenance. If your furnace or HVAC system hasn’t seen maintenance in a while (say, at some point this year), you might consider calling a qualified technician to come take a look. Oftentimes, problems with your system can be cut off or handled by scheduling routine maintenance.
When to Replace Your Furnace
Then again, sometimes it’s better to know when to call it quits and lay an old system to rest. If you’re experiencing any of the following problems, you may want to look into a replacement:
- Your system is outdated. According to the EPA and the United States’ Department of Energy, a system more than 10 years old should really be replaced. While the cost of replacing your HVAC system is nothing to sneeze at, you’ll find cost savings in the long term, tax incentives for your new high-efficiency system, fresh warranties to help out with repairs, green benefits, and more. Save up for it and get that system replaced!
- Your system frequently breaks down. This is most commonly associated with an outdated system—see above! If you find yourself shelling out for repair fees once a month, then you’ll probably be better off just replacing the system.
- You’re noticing temperature fluctuations with your system, or it isn’t performing as well as it should. If you are noticing fluctuations in your home temperature and your energy bills are higher than they used to be, your system might be running out of steam. Once again, replacing a severely malfunctioning or worn-out system is pricey up-front, but will ultimately save money in repair costs and energy bills!
Superior HVAC Services in West Chester
Whether you need repairs or replacements, make sure your Pennsylvania home stays the perfect temperature this season! Contact the professionals here at Signature HVAC, and find out what we can do for you.
