Winter is coming, and there’s no worse time of the year to realize you have a malfunctioning heating system. But concern about your home comfort comes with many questions. When is it time to replace a heater? Is there a sure-fire way to tell if your furnace needs repairs or to be replaced? How expensive will it be?
The home comfort experts at Pro Energy Solutions are here to help you keep the holidays — and your home — merry and bright.
When You Should Replace Your Heating System
The first step to replacing your heating system is knowing the correct time to do so. How long your particular system will last has to do with many factors, but all systems will eventually break down, no matter how well you care for them. Whether your home uses a heat pump, mini-split, or central heating system, you’ll want to keep an eye on the efficiency of your heating system at around ten years of age.
Most systems have a lifespan varying between 10 to 15 years, depending on the kind of use and maintenance the system has seen over the course of its life. Deciding to replace a major home appliance can be a daunting task. Ask yourself the following questions to determine the best course of action for your home and your family.
4 Questions to Determine if it’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
So, it may be time to replace your heating system. When you can answer all of the questions listed below, you’ll have a good grasp of the necessary next steps.
1. When was your heating system installed?
Knowing the year your system was installed tells you how long it’s been running, and what kind f care it may need. When trying to determine if you should repair or replace your system, taking age into account can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There’s little to no point in repairing an aged system that may break down again in six months.
2. How efficient is your heating system?
According to the Department of Energy, heating accounts for approximately 29% of your energy bill! If you’ve noticed your heating bills rising over time, your system may be past its prime. Installing a newer model (such as one with an EnergyStar label) can drastically reduce your heating costs while increasing the overall efficiency and comfort inside your home.
3. How often does your furnace require repairs?
Older furnaces and heating systems will have more and more malfunctions as time goes on. If you tend to repair your HVAC system more than once a year already, chances are you’re only going to waste money in the long run. The golden rule for the repair vs. replace debate comes down to cost: If you’re spending more than half the cost of a new system on repairs, it’s time to cut your losses and replace your heater.
4. How much will the replacement cost?
Some repairs are more significant than others, so you could have hundreds of dollars of small repairs or one major issue that costs the same as all of those combined. Your HVAC technician should offer you their opinion as they service your system. Sometimes, one part can cost the same as a significant portion of a new heater.
Some factors that will come into play as you attempt to budget for a replacement include:
- Size of the system. Installing the wrong size can result in cold spots throughout your home or can even overload your circuits. Larger homes need larger systems, and smaller homes can get by with a smaller unit.
- AFUE. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and generally refers to the energy used by your unit. Systems with a higher AFUE rating waste less energy but may also be more expensive. Taking into account how much you rely on your heating system throughout the season can help you determine the level of investment you’re willing to make.
- The kind of system. Heat pumps, geothermal heating, forced air systems, and ductless mini-splits all heat your home in their own ways and come with their own price tags. Take the kind of system you have versus the kind you may want to replace your old one with.
With these factors in mind, the general average price of a furnace can run up to $6,000. Your technician and the team at Pro Energy Solutions can help you determine the best solution for your needs and budget.
Contact us today at (800) 704-7340 or reach out to us online to speak to a member of our team and schedule an appointment.
