How to Know When You Need a New Heating System
It’s a question just about every homeowner has had to face at least once. When is it time to finally retire your old furnace and get a new heating system?
When Your Furnace Needs Repaired:
It’s often some situation that puts a homeowner in this position. Have you had to deal with more than a few repairs on your existing heating system or are you facing a pretty expensive fix on a unit that may be past its prime?
When it’s Just Not Cutting It:
Perhaps you’re more of a proactive homeowner who doesn’t want to wait until your furnace starts to fail you before you get it replaced. Maybe you’ve noticed that your house isn’t getting consistently as warm this winter as in past years? Or you’ve noticed your energy bills rise and know that old low-efficiency heating system is making those monthly expenses worse.
Deciding if I Should Replace my Furnace? The 3 Questions to Ask:
- How old is your furnace?
If you think you had your current furnace installed back around the turn of the millennium, then yes – now is a good time for an upgrade. Typically, most furnaces can be expected to last 17-20 years. But how long an individual heater will continue working properly often depends on how well it’s been maintained over the years. Its age isn’t the only determining factor. There are times when it’s best to replace a unit, even one that is perhaps only a decade old.
- How expensive are your monthly energy bills?
Have you seen your home’s heating bills continue to go up and up? That extra money you’re spending each money isn’t coming back. But the extra money you spend toward a newer, high-efficient furnace is an investment that pays off. You won’t just feel more comfortable, you should also see your monthly expenses decrease from it’s improved efficiency.
How much is the impending repair job?
If you are in the unfortunate position of having a broken furnace, or one that is in need of some repair, how much that repair will cost you is important. Is it a small amount? Or are you faced with something that’s going to cost you several of hundreds of dollars? Things like a cracked heat exchanger or other broken components can lead to high repair costs that may not be worth it. How expensive does a repair on your furnace need to be before it’s not worth it?
How much is the impending repair job?Refer to this chart from the U.S. Energy Department on how to make a good decision on whether to go for a repair or for a completely new furnace. Consider the age of your unit and the cost of needed repairs.
Need a Professional Furnace Opinion?
The furnace experts at Jon Wayne Heating & Air see these issues all the time. We often are called upon to assess a home’s heating system and help give homeowners the options and information they need to know in determining whether a furnace is no longer worth repairing. From gas furnaces to electric furnaces, we have qualified and experienced technicians who’ve been fixing heating problems in homes in Springfield, Mt Vernon and surrounding communities for decades.
So if you’re wondering what to do about your problem furnace, call us at (417) 831-9500 in Springfield or (417) 466-2515 in Mt Vernon. Or contact us online and we will help you determine if your furnace is in good shape to continue working well for more Missouri winters.
