Cooler weather is becoming a real possibility in Savage, which means one thing: it’s time to set up your furnace service. However, it’s realistic that it may not be that straightforward if your system is starting to get up there in age and has been causing problems over the last few years.
Furnace replacement is an investment in your home, like nearly all other home improvement projects are. So how do you know if you should get that new furnace now or just get your annual furnace service done?
At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, we know that it can be a hard decision to make, so here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re unsure which way to choose.
1. Furnace Age
This is probably the biggest factor in to your decision, as furnace technology has improved a lot of things, from energy efficiency to the amount of noise it produces. If your system is more than 12 years old, it may not make sense to put a lot of money in to repairs when you could be applying that money towards a new system.
However, the normal 12-15 year lifetime of a furnace doesn’t mean it can’t work well beyond that. If furnace service has been consistent and it has been correctly maintained, you may be able to go beyond that 12-15 year average.
2. Cost of replacing vs. servicing/repairing
There are always variables when it comes to figuring out the cost of replacing versus having furnace service and repairs done, but there are a few things to keep in mind when considering the two.
Furnace service
- Get multiple estimates to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Keep track of when your warranty is up and note what it covers so you’re always saving as much as possible.
Furnace replacement
- Furnace size will be determined by the size of your home.
- Cost will differ depending on the level of energy efficiency you’re searching for.
- The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the chance for energy savings.
After you calculate the costs of both routes, keep this helpful tip in mind: if your furnace service and repair is going to cost 1/3 or more of the cost of a new furnace and your system is between 12-15 years old, furnace replacement may be the better long-term option.
Of course, these are only a couple of the variables, but the pros at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning are more than happy to help you choose which furnace is right when replacement becomes a necessity. Give us a call at 952-373-0377 to find out what makes sense for both you and your budget.