With appliances such as heaters, furnaces and air conditioners, it’s often hard to tell whether it’s time to replace them or simply repair them. You must consider the pros and cons of each as well as the up-front and long-term costs. At the end of the day, you want to be comfortable with your decision and know that you did the best for your home and for your furnace. That is why the pros at Acree have prepared a quick guide to help you figure out whether your furnace needs a repair or a replacement.
1. How Old Is It?
One of the most important things you should consider when deciding to repair or replace is the age of your unit. If your oil or gas furnace is 12 years or younger and has been properly maintained over time, then you most likely won’t have to replace it. However, if its 15 years or older, you might want to start looking for a new unit. It is better to consider your replacement options beforehand, instead of waiting for a sudden breakdown, panicking and buying a new unit without any prior research. You should also consider the fact that as your furnace ages, it might be harder to find replacement parts and components. It is better to simply get a new unit.
2. Frequent Repairs
A few repairs here and there are fine. Repairs are sometimes required with appliances in your home and, with frequent usage, it’s only natural that something needs tweaking or fixing. However, if you find yourself shelling out hundreds of dollars for frequent repairs, you might want to investigate your replacement options. Frequency of repairs and the age of your unit go hand in hand—a furnace often sees the most breakdowns in the last two years of its life.
3. Are Your Energy Bills Going Up?
If you notice a spike in your energy bills, it’s not logical to automatically assume that your furnace is on its last legs. For all we know, it might simply need its filter changed. A clean air filter can reduce your furnace’s energy use by up to 15%. If your filter has already been changed, you might need to inspect your home for air leaks and deteriorating insulation. Having a well-sealed home can save you 10% on overall energy costs and 20% on home heating and cooling expenses. If it isn’t an air leak or insulation problem, you can have a professional inspect your unit and do any necessary maintenance. Having a professional come in can prevent expensive repairs down the line.
However, if your AC has been well-maintained and there aren’t any significant air leaks or other problems, then you should consider replacing your unit. Talk to a reliable HVAC technician about your options.
Need Furnace Repair or Replacement? Call Acree!
Whether you need your furnace repaired or replaced, the pros at Acree are here to assist! Get in touch with us today by calling us at (813) 530-9061 or schedule an appointment with us on our website!
