Should You Repair or Replace Your Ailing Furnace?
Having problems with your heating system is always a pain, and it’s especially frustrating in the middle of the freezing Spokane, WA winter. For one thing, furnace issues typically result in discomfort and, in some cases, wasted money on energy bills. But sometimes, the biggest hassle is figuring out the best way to handle the problem. Namely, you have to decide whether the prudent choice is to have your furnace repaired or simply bite the bullet and invest in a replacement system. Ultimately, every situation is different, and there are several variables you should consider before making such a major decision.
How Old Is Your Furnace?
When you’re deciding between repairing and replacing your furnace, one of the most important factors to consider is the age of the appliance. If the system is less than a decade old, you’ll generally want to go the route of having it repaired. With a young furnace, you should be able to get several more productive years out of the appliance after you have it fixed. So, it doesn’t usually make sense to spend thousands on a replacement system in that scenario.
On the other hand, if your furnace is 15 or more years old, you will certainly want to consider having it replaced. If the necessary repair is minor and affordable, it’s typically no big deal to have an older heating system fixed. However, if the appliance requires a major repair job, you might be better off putting that money toward a new furnace instead. After all, you don’t want to spend a big chunk of money on a repair job if you’re going to need to replace the system in six months anyway.
Is This an Isolated Problem?
Another thing you should take into account is whether or not your furnace has been experiencing frequent problems. If the current issue is the first thing that has gone wrong with the appliance in several years, it’s a pretty safe bet that it will get back to being healthy after you have it repaired. However, if this is just the newest issue in a long line of problems, it’s very unlikely that it will be the last time the furnace has a problem come up. Paying for a single repair isn’t necessarily too big of a deal, but having to dish out money for many different fixes can add up to some serious money. At a certain point, it may make more sense to invest in a new heating system than to continue having your struggling furnace repaired over and over again.
Could You Use an Upgrade?
In some cases, it may be prudent to invest in a new furnace even if you could still get a few good years out of your current one. Oftentimes, homeowners will decide to purchase a new heating system for the sole purpose of upgrading to a more efficient unit. If you’ve noticed recently that you’re spending quite a bit of money on your heating bills, your current furnace may not be operating efficiently. If that appliance is in need of a costly repair, you may be better off in the long run by using that money to invest in a new, high-efficiency replacement furnace. After a while, that new furnace may end up paying for itself with significant electricity savings.
Have You Consulted the Experts?
If you’ve thought things over and are still having trouble deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace, it’s always a good idea to consult the experts. If you schedule an appointment with your local HVAC professionals, they will be able to inspect your heating system, evaluate your household situation, and advise you on the wisest course of action. Experts in the field shouldn’t have any problem determining whether or not it’s worth it to repair your furnace. And if you decide you’re ready to invest in a replacement system, they’ll be able to guide you through the entire process and get your new appliance installed.
Trusted Heating Professionals in Spokane
If you’re in the greater Spokane area, you can always count on Cougar Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing for dependable heating services. Whether you need a furnace inspection, repairs, or replacement, our expert technicians will be up to the task. With every project we take on, we prioritize integrity, professionalism, and superlative customer service. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, simply give our offices a call today.
