Should I Repair or Replace My Furnace? Making a Tough Decision Easier.
Have You Been Asking Yourself: ”Is It Time To Replace My Furnace?”
For a family in Kawartha Lakes, your furnace is the unsung hero of your home, keeping you comfortable year-round. But like any appliance, furnaces have a lifespan. If yours is showing signs of wear and tear, you may be wondering if you should keep spending money on repairs or if it's time to throw in the towel and replace your furnace.
Let us help you make the best choice for your home. In this post, we’ll break down some of the most common problems homeowners have with their furnaces and let you know if they are a sign that it’s time to call our team of home comfort specialists for a repair or time to talk to us about buying a new unit.
4 Common Furnace Problems And What They Mean
The decision to repair or replace your furnace can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to weighing costs and potential benefits. While repairs can sometimes extend the life of your furnace, they may not always be the most cost-effective or practical solution. Let’s take a closer look so you can make an informed decision and avoid the costly surprises of unexpected breakdowns.
1. Frequent Repairs
Minor repairs and furnace maintenance tasks like filter replacements, thermostat calibration or blower motor lubrication are quick to do, inexpensive and are expected over time. However, if you find yourself calling for repairs more often than once a year — especially for more complex issues like the ones outlined in our FREE guide 6 Reasons to Replace Your Furnace Instead of Repair It — it might be time to consider a replacement. The cumulative cost of frequent repairs can often exceed the upfront investment in a new furnace.
2. Unusual Noises
A furnace making strange noises is a red flag indicating potential underlying issues. These noises can range from minor annoyances to serious safety concerns. Rattling and squealing are the noises you are most likely to hear from a furnace as it gets older. Usually, they are caused by loose parts or a belt that needs replacing and can be fixed quickly and affordably by one of our furnace experts. On the other hand, noises like grinding and banging can indicate serious problems that could lead to a breakdown or even a safety hazard.
Remember: A furnace that's operating safely should run quietly. Any unusual noises are a cause for concern and should be addressed promptly.
3. Uneven Heating and Cooling
A well-functioning furnace should provide consistent heating and cooling throughout your home, responding promptly to thermostat changes. If you're experiencing cold spots in certain rooms or a slow response time, it's a sign that something is not working the way it should.
Clogged ducts can be dealt with by booking duct cleaning services and replacing furnace filters to improve airflow is something any homeowner can — and should— tackle on their own every few months. But, if your maintenance is up to date and you are still experiencing uneven temperatures, it's time to dig deeper and consult a professional. Our home comfort specialists can assess your furnace's condition and determine if a repair is needed, if the problem is because of insufficient furnace capacity or if it's time for a replacement.
4. Age
Even with diligent maintenance, furnaces have a limited lifespan. We expect most furnaces to operate efficiently for between 10 and 15 years. If your furnace is approaching this age, it's wise to start planning for its replacement.
When Paying For Repairs Stops Making Sense.
Keeping your furnace in good working condition comes at a cost. But when annual maintenance, regular filter changes and the occasional service call aren’t enough, the cost of repairing your furnace can start to add up.
TIP: When repair costs exceed 30% of the price of a new furnace, replacement might be a more cost-effective option.
Replacing your furnace before it breaks down offers several advantages:
Avoid Unexpected Costs A sudden furnace failure can be costly and inconvenient. By replacing your furnace proactively, you can avoid these unexpected expenses.
Plan for the Future: Replacing your furnace allows you to budget for the cost and choose a time that works best for your schedule.
Upgrade to a Newer Model: Newer furnaces are often more energy-efficient and have advanced features that can improve your comfort and home value.
If your furnace is nearing its expected lifespan, don't wait for it to break down. By planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth transition and enjoy the benefits of a new, efficient furnace.
CUSTOMER REVIEW
“Had British Empire Fuels install a new Lennox propane furnace plus tanks. It has been an excellent experience from the initial visit by Ron the rep, to the install by Brock and Kyle. These guys are pros and came through for our family.”
- Peter Weidelich
Is It Time to Replace Your Furnace or Can It Be Repaired?
If your furnace isn’t working like it used to, it’s time to make a choice: repair it or replace it. As we have seen, there are many common furnace problems that can be fixed with a service call. But, when the cost of repairs starts adding up or the issues become complex or even dangerous, replacing your furnace with a new, more efficient model is often the right choice.
Still need help deciding what to do? Download our comprehensive guide 6 Reasons To Replace Your Furnace Instead of Repair It. It provides an in-depth review of the key indicators that your furnace has come to the end of its lifespan, the benefits of replacing your furnace and how our flexible financing options can help make the investment happen painlessly.
Don't let a malfunctioning furnace compromise your comfort and safety. Call British Empire Fuels today at 705-738-2121 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our furnace repair services and furnace replacement services.