One of the trickier decisions homeowners with a furnace face is deciding when to replace it with a new one. Like your car, your heating system needs regular maintenance and periodic repairs as it ages. A time will come, however, when you start to wonder whether to keep paying for repairs or to invest in a new furnace instead. Going back to the car analogy, we all know folks who replace their vehicles every few years regardless of condition. We know others who feel comfortable paying for major repairs and extensive maintenance to keep a car on the road for 200,000 miles or more even if it isn’t the most up-to-date model. Most consumers fall somewhere in between these extremes when it comes to replacing a major investment with a new one.
Think About the Typical Lifespan of a Furnace
Furnaces typically last 10 to 15 years; although, some of the newer high-efficiency units can last longer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal systems can last 20 years or more. Regularly scheduled maintenance visits will optimize the chances that your furnace will meet or exceed these lifespan averages. You should also change the filter regularly, ensure that the coils stay clean, and keep the area around your outdoor unit free of clutter and shrubs.
Consider Whether You Need a Furnace Repair or Replacement
Regardless of the condition of your furnace, you might decide on a new model after only 10 years in order to take advantage of the greater efficiency available with a new furnace. Other factors to consider in deciding on a furnace replacement include bigger and more frequent heating repairs and lowered efficiency leading to higher energy bills. Heat pumps become less efficient as they age despite the best maintenance. When that happens, it’s time to consider replacement.
Also, notice whether your system heats and cools more unevenly than it used to or causes excessive humidity when cooling. If your insulation is good and your home doesn’t have an issue with air leaks, these types of symptoms usually indicate that your furnace is nearing the end of its useful life. Again, you may continue to repair and maintain your unit, but you should not expect to regain optimal performance. It may be advisable in these circumstances to invest your hard-earned funds in a new and more efficient furnace. Our financing options can ease the upfront expense and help you enjoy state-of-the-art, energy-efficient comfort as quickly as possible.
Contact the Experts When You’re Ready
The expert technicians at Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning can help you weigh your choices and decide whether to keep your older furnace or install a new one While some cases are clear-cut, others depend on your preference given the options we outline to you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to earning your trust with friendly customer service, top-notch expertise, and competitive prices on equipment and labor in the Glenview, Illinois, area.
