Determining if you need a furnace repair or a furnace replacement is a big decision. It’s also an expensive one, which is why you should consider several factors when making this decision.
At Chapman Heating and Cooling, we’ll talk through some things you should consider when your furnace isn’t working right to determine if repair or replacement is the right choice for your home.
Still have questions? Contact Chapman Heating and Cooling for furnace help in Louisville!
Compare Cost Thresholds
Looking at cost thresholds is all about comparing the cost of repairing your furnace versus purchasing a new one. The simplest way to look at it is, will the cost of the repair be half or more than half of the cost to replace it? If the cost is half or more than half, then the best choice is to replace the furnace.
There are a few other points to keep in mind when considering the comparison cost thresholds. If the cost is less than 30%, usually a repair is the better choice. The 30 to 50% range, can be a bit of a gray area, so you should take the age and efficiency of the unit into consideration. If the cost is more than 50%, the best option is almost always replacement.
You should also look at the age of the unit when taking the cost threshold into account. If the unit is less than 10 years old, a repair is probably best. If the unit is 10 to 15 years old, apply the threshold carefully. Once the unit hits 15 or more years old, the cost becomes a driving force in the decision.
Lifespan of a Furnace
When you are thinking about when to repair or replace your furnace, you should take the age of the system into consideration. It’s important to know the average lifespan of a furnace when thinking about next steps for your furnace.
A gas furnace has a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. An electric furnace, on the other hand, will last about 20 to 30 years because it has fewer parts. You can expect an oil furnace to last for about 20 to 25 years.
Energy Efficiency
You may not realize it, but how efficiently your furnace works should be a consideration when deciding whether to repair or replace your heating system. The efficiency of your furnace has a direct impact on your utility bills and the overall lifespan of your heating unit.
When a furnace runs efficiently, it uses less electricity or gas to heat the same amount of space. This provides more consistent heat and better airflow, providing greater heat distribution and more consistent temperatures.
Local Area Considerations
When considering a furnace repair vs replacement in Louisville, KY, you should think about the criteria that are specific to Louisville. During the cold days from December through February, you can expect your furnace to run almost constantly, especially when there are periods of extremely cold temperatures. If you have an inefficient or older furnace, it will use more energy during periods of continual cold.
When the furnace runs frequently, some parts of the furnace, like the blower, igniter, and heat exchanger, are used more. Older units get a lot more wear during this time. While the winters in Louisville are milder than in northern areas and heating bills are typically lower, you can still benefit from a more efficient unit.
When that first bit of cold weather hits, a less efficient or older unit may have trouble heating the home fast. This causes short cycling or heat that’s uneven. Short cycling can happen when your furnace turns on and off too much instead of running for a steady cycle. This causes wear and tear on your unit.
Need Furnace Services in Louisville? Contact Chapman Heating and Cooling!
Chapman Heating and Cooling is an Authorized Carrier Dealer. We offer expert furnace repair and replacement services to make sure you’re able to get the service you need, exactly when you need it. No matter what your furnace needs are, we have an expert technician willing and ready to assist you.
Even if you aren’t sure what you should do with your furnace, schedule a furnace inspection in Louisville to find out which option makes sense for you. At Chapman Heating and Cooling, our team will be happy to walk you through all of your options and help you make the right decision for your house and family.