Repair vs. Replace – How do you know?
Our clients ask us this question all the time – should I repair my furnace or should I replace it? There is no hard-and-fast rule that we can share with you because almost every house and every installation is different. As HVAC contractors with over 30 years experience, you might expect our answer to always be “replace” but that’s not the case. Sometimes it does makes more economic sense to repair a furnace or other HVAC equipment, even if it’s an older unit or if the repair will be costly. So when should you consider repair and when should you replace with new equipment?
Here are some guidelines:
If your furnace has a standing pilot, you should seriously consider replacement, even if you’re not facing a repair. The reason is because your furnace is about 65% efficiency. That alone can save you $$$ in utility costs and help pay for the cost of a new unit. It’s also not a matter of if – but when you will find yourself facing a costly repair.
You have a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace. Replacing a heat exchanger is the equivalent of having a heart transplant. Unless you are ‘in love’ with your furnace this is not good financial sense! You shouldn’t spends thousands of dollars repairing main components in older system that also has many other parts likely to fail.
Replacing now with new equipment that will save you money in utility costs and remove any concern about repairs for years. Your new furnace will come with a new warranty and much higher efficiency.
Those cases will almost always going to get a “Replace” recommendation. What about when it’s not as obvious? Consider a replacement if your furnace is over 3/4 of its life expectancy and repairs cost more than 1/3 of a replacement. For example, if your furnace is 15 years old and you’re facing a $750 repair, you should probably replace it. Also keep in mind that you will also improve your home’s livability and lower your utility costs. If you are replacing, consider equipment that has multiple staging, 95% efficiency, and variable speed blowers. This will help recover your initial costs.
Your best option is to have a highly trained and qualified technician from an experienced and highly-rated and reviewed HVAC company in your area – such as Green City Heating & Air Conditioning – give you an assessment of your HVAC equipment. A technician knows to overlook old equipment that still looks shiny – but whose efficiency has declined or was not up to current standards. We can help you determine what makes the best economic sense with the highest economic return for your investment. Other considerations include knowing how much you could potentially save by replacing your older, less efficient equipment with new high efficiency heating and air conditioning.
Whether you choose to replace or repair, either usually means huge savings for Seattle, Bellevue, Lynnwood, Kirkland, & Eastside King County WA homeowners, as well as Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, Fircrest, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Fife WA, and all Pierce County & South King County residents.
Ultimately, repairing or replacing your HVAC equipment is a decision that you should make based on your goals for financial, family, comfort, and environmental factors. This is a complicated decision, and we are available to provide you with a free in-home analysis and estimate of your existing HVAC equipment. Drop us a line if you have any questions.
Don’t wait for an energy assessment until you are left in the cold with a dead furnace or heat pump! Call Green City Heating and Air Conditioning today. We are available to provide you with a free in-home analysis of your existing HVAC equipment and a no-obligation estimate of any suggested repairs or replacement.
More information for you! CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE HEAT PUMP EBOOK
