Furnaces are some of the most reliable heating systems in the world. There’s a very good reason why they’re used so commonly, especially when you’ve got a local technician with the tools and expertise to make it last for the extent of its lifespan.
If you’ve got a strange sound coming from your furnace, or the system is starting to smell funky, you should definitely call for repairs. Even if nothing bad is happening, furnace maintenance in Cedar Rapids, IA can keep your system in good shape to avoid a replacement. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got an electric furnace or a gas furnace, we promise we can help.
But in reality, depending on the situation, your furnace might need more than just a simple fix. It might need to be replaced in its entirety. How can you tell?
Follow along for some ways you might determine if your furnace needs to be replaced.
A One-Time Thing or Frequent Issues
Look, is this the first time you’ve looked up “furnace repair?” Then you’re probably not in need of a replacement. Furnaces can have problems every once in a while, that’s totally normal. In fact, during the 10-15 year lifespan of a furnace, you’re bound to get at least one or two hiccups that require professional repairs.
However, if you’re calling our team multiple times a year, or even on a yearly basis for help with your furnace, then the system is not working out as expected. You need to get it replaced so that we can install a system that works without needing to be constantly fixed.
The Half-Price Rule
Here’s a good rule to keep in mind when evaluating the status of your furnace:
If a repair costs more than half the price of a full replacement, the replacement is almost always a better choice. This is because a replacement will give you a whole slew of brand-new parts that are bound to last for a decade or more, whereas a repair will only fix a certain set of components.
The $5,000 Rule
Here’s another rule for customers in this situation:
Multiply the cost of repairs times the age of your furnace. If the result exceeds $5,000 then a replacement is almost always worth it.
So, if you’ve got a $500 repair, but the system is 11 years old, that equates to $5,500 which is above the amount listed above and you’ll likely be better off getting it replaced. This is to ensure you’re not paying for too hefty a repair on a system that isn’t as valuable anymore.
Reaching the End of Its Lifespan
Simply put–if your furnace is reaching the 10-15 year end of its lifespan, then you should be evaluating a replacement no matter what. These components are just not built to last beyond this.
Poor Efficiency
Even if you’ve got a relatively new furnace, efficiency drops can be devastating to your budget and comfort. If your system isn’t running efficiently and no amount of repairs will do the trick, we might recommend a replacement so your bills can be acceptable again.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.