How to Choose Between Furnace Replacement and Repair
You probably want to put off furnace replacement for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are ways to tell whether your furnace in Greensboro, NC, still has some life in it. To choose between furnace replacement and repair, consider the furnace’s age, its current performance and the cost of any repairs it’s facing.
Furnace’s Age
Furnace longevity can vary depending on the furnace, your maintenance schedule and how you use your system. In the absence of extreme temperatures, and assuming that your set point is a reasonable 68 to 72 degrees, a well-maintained gas furnace can last 15 to 20 years, while an oil or electric furnace can run for 20 to even 30 years.
Age by itself isn’t a deciding factor since an older system may still be running efficiently. However, it’s still a factor to consider alongside many others, and it may not be worth it to repair a furnace approaching the end of its lifespan.
Cost of the Furnace Repair
Perhaps your furnace has already broken down, and someone told you that the heat exchanger or the motor needs replacing. Both jobs can cost about one-third the price of a new system. For a system under 10 years old, that may be worthwhile.
In general, you should keep an eye on how much you’ve spent on recent furnace repairs or what potential upcoming ones will cost. If the repair will set you back more than a third or a half of a new furnace’s price, it may be more economical to replace it altogether.
Current Performance
Have you already had numerous repairs done on the system, only for them to fail at improving performance? If you’re still dealing with issues like short-cycling and still seeing unusually high monthly bills, the furnace could be too old and worn-out to benefit from repairs.
You want professionals to handle your furnace installation in Greensboro, so call Johns Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Established in 1974, our family-owned and operated company boasts more than 100 years of combined experience.
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