It’s one thing to talk about replacing a frayed table cloth or an outdoor light fixture. Neither purchase – among countless others – is going to put much of a dent in your budget.Replacing your furnace is a whole different story. Depending on the size of your home, a new furnace can represent a substantial investment in your family’s ongoing comfort and convenience. The question is, when is the right time to replace it?
Well, here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
Your furnace has been designed to last an average of 10-15 years.
If yours is within that range already, replacing it now means you have total control over the replacement process vs. being forced to make a quick and perhaps wrong decision; all too often, that’s what happens when people are forced to buy a furnace because the old one has died.
Even if you’ve had your furnace faithfully maintained over the years, it’s still not going to last forever.
On the flip side, you can expect an earlier demise if it hasn’t been cleaned and inspected from one year to the next by a qualified home heating professional.
Did you inherit your current furnace when you bought the house?
If so, a word of advice: if you don’t know how old it is, jot down the serial number and contact the manufacturer to find out. Then you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect going forward.
How much is too much for a furnace repair?
If your furnace is getting up there in years and needs major repair work, is it worth it? Most experts agree that if it costs close to 50% – or more – of a replacement system to have the old one fixed, it makes more sense to replace than repair.
If you’ve had annual preventative maintenance performed on your furnace since year one, great job and keep up the good work. If not, and you can’t even remember the last time it was serviced, it’s time to call Eagle Service Company for our very thorough furnace cleaning and inspection service. In the process, we can determine exactly what kind of condition your furnace is in and if it’s likely to make it through winter without costing you an arm and a leg in repairs. On the other, if it’s still got some life in it, maybe it’s worth hanging onto. Eagle Service Company: your partner in year-round indoor comfort, and your source for honest and straightforward feedback.
