Furnaces and Winter, Know When to Repair or Replace

Aire Serv has suggestions on repairing or replacing the Furnace

WACO, Texas (Jan. 5, 2015) – Home furnace systems can have a lot of strain put on them during periods of continuously cold weather. Extremely cold weather can cause the furnace to run all the time. If the furnace seems to be struggling to heat the home, it may be time to repair or replace the unit. Aire Serv has tips on whether the furnace should be repaired or replaced before the next cold spell hits.

Age

It is a good idea to replace, instead of repair furnaces that have been operating for more than 15 years. Units older than 15 years will continue to lose efficiency every season. The cost to repair the unit will eventually be greater than the cost to replace the unit. It is also recommended by the EPA and Department of Energy, that homeowners should replace furnaces and boilers older than 15 years.

Frequent breakdowns

If the heating system has broken down multiple times over the past several years, repairs may not be the best option. In some cases the repairs can add up substantially over time, costing homeowners more than investing in a new system.

Noise

If the furnace system has to over exert itself to keep up with the heating demands, it can become excessively noisy or turn off randomly. Establish and maintain a regular maintenance schedule to preserve the function of your system, including annual professional maintenance to prevent problems before they occur. With units making noise, it is most likely a repair that is needed.

Cost

When looking at repair vs. replacement, homeowners should consider the 50 percent rule. If the cost for repair vs. replacement of the system is less than half of its value, repair may be the best decision. Homeowners should also factor in if they require monthly services to keep their system running correctly.

For more information about repairing or replacing the furnace, visit here. To learn more about inspecting a furnace for winter, click here.