The furnace is one of the most important parts of your home. It provides heat and keeps you warm during the winter months, but it also has several moving components that can break down over time.
If you are in the middle of a cold winter and your furnace is not working, it can be a real pain. You want to keep your home warm, but you also want to save money. When faced with this problem, many people wonder if they should repair or replace their furnaces. The truth is that it depends on several factors.
If you need help figuring out whether or not you should repair or replace furnace, then read on for more information about this topic!
When Should You Repair Your Furnace?
You just spent all day at work and are finally home. You flip the switch on your furnace, and… nothing happens.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to look at your furnace. Here are three signs that it’s time to call in the furnace repair professionals:
Insufficient heat
If your home isn’t getting warm enough, it’s time to call a professional. A furnace that isn’t producing enough heat can be a sign of any number of problems, from a faulty thermostat to a clogged furnace filter. If you’re experiencing insufficient heat, it’s best to get in touch with a Hurricane furnace professional before the problem gets worse.
No heat at all
No matter what time of year it is, if you’re not getting any heat from your furnace, you should probably call in an expert right away. A furnace repair professional can identify what’s causing the problem and recommend solutions for fixing it before it becomes more serious or expensive.
Excessive noise or vibration coming from the unit
If you hear loud banging noises coming from the furnace at night or during the day when no one else is home, that could mean there’s something wrong with its motor or fan blade—and those parts could be in need of repair sooner rather than later!
Increased energy bills
If you notice that your energy bills have increased significantly, it could be because you’ve been using more energy than usual—or because there are problems with how efficiently your furnace is working. A heating repair professionals can tell you whether or not this is the case by examining how much energy is being used during different times of day and year (as well as what type of fuel source is being used). Then they’ll be able to recommend solutions for getting better efficiency out of both heating and cooling systems so that you don’t overspend on energy costs!
Constant cycling
If your furnace cycles on and off too often, it may be due for a tune-up or cleaning. This type of problem can cause excess wear on the motor and other parts, which could lead to a breakdown later on down the road.
Poor air quality
If your home’s air quality is poor, it could be a sign that your furnace needs repair. Poor air quality can indicate malfunctioning fans or blower motors and dirty filters.
Visible damage or leaks
If you notice visible damage to your furnace, such as loose wires or cracks in the outer shell, you should consider having it repaired. This could indicate an electrical fault or other problem with the machine’s internal workings.
Carbon monoxide detector alerts
If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it could indicate a potentially dangerous situation. Carbon monoxide leaks can occur due to a faulty furnace, so it’s crucial to have it inspected and repaired immediately.
When Should You Replace Your Furnace?
You’re probably familiar with the signs that it’s time to replace your car: a broken window, an oil leak, or an engine light on the dashboard. The same thing goes for your furnace. If you start seeing these 7 signs, it may be time to consider replacing your furnace:
Age of the Furnace
Furnaces typically last between 10 and 15 years on average, so if yours is older than that, it could be time to start looking into replacing it. Your furnace will likely need repairs more often as it ages and will become less efficient at heating your home.
Frequent and Costly Repairs
If you’ve been taking frequent trips to the repair shop because of problems with your furnace, chances are good that a new one would be worth the repair cost over time. A new furnace will also likely have a longer lifespan than an older model, which can save you money in the long run.
Inconsistent Heating or Poor Performance
If your furnace cannot maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home, it may be a sign of its declining performance despite proper maintenance and repairs. Uneven heating or a system that struggles to keep up with the heating demands can indicate that it’s time for a furnace replacement.
Rising Energy Bills
If you notice a spike in your monthly energy costs, it could be due to your old furnace. When furnaces age, they lose their efficiency and start using more energy than necessary. This means you have to use more electricity or gas to heat the same amount of space, which results in higher energy bills.
Safety Concerns
Furnaces that pose safety risks should be replaced immediately. If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger or is emitting carbon monoxide, it jeopardizes the health and safety of your household. Carbon monoxide leaks are particularly dangerous, so if your furnace is showing signs of such issues, it’s crucial to replace them promptly.
Outdated Technology
If your furnace was installed before the year 2000, it’s probably time to consider replacing it with something more energy-efficient. The EPA estimates that replacing an old 90% efficiency furnace with a new 95% efficiency model could save up to $200 per year on heating costs—and even more, if you upgrade to a high-efficiency natural gas or oil furnace. This can add up over time!
Home Renovation or Expansion
If you’re remodeling around your home and want to improve the insulation or ventilation in certain rooms, this can also mean it’s time for a new furnace. Newer furnaces are better able to handle these changes while maintaining optimal temperatures throughout each room. If this sounds like something you might be interested in doing soon, talk to a professional about the potential benefits of upgrading!
A Quick Overview On Should I Repair Or Replace My Furnace
Which is better for you: a furnace replacement or a furnace replacement? There are many factors to consider, and the good news is that we’ve done the hard work for you.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the factors to think about when deciding whether to repair or replace a furnace:
| Factors to Consider | Repair Furnace | Replace Furnace |
| Age of the Furnace | Repair if relatively young (<10 years) | Replace if approaching or surpassing average lifespan (15-20 years) |
| Cost of Repairs | Repair if repairs are infrequent and affordable | Replace if repairs are frequent and costly |
| Energy Efficiency | Repair if the furnace is still efficient | Replace with a more energy-efficient model to reduce energy consumption and costs |
| Performance | Repair if the furnace adequately heats the home | Replace if inconsistent heating or poor performance persists |
| Safety Concerns | Repair if the issue is fixable and doesn’t compromise safety | Replace immediately if the furnace poses safety risks, such as carbon monoxide leaks |
| Upgraded Technology | Repair if the furnace has modern features and meets your needs | Replace to benefit from newer technology and energy-saving features |
| Home Renovation/Expansion | Repair if the furnace can handle increased heating demands | Replace to accommodate the larger heating requirements of the renovated or expanded space |
What are the Benefits of Furnace Repair Or Replacement?
Furnace repair and replacement are both important steps in the life of your furnace. But it can be confusing to know which one is best for you. The good news is, there’s no need to decide immediately! There are benefits to each option, and deciding whether or not to replace your furnace depends on how long you plan on living in your current home, as well as how old your current furnace is.
Here is the list of benefits so you can better understand why replacing or repairing your furnace may be the right choice for you:
Costs less than replacing
Replacing your furnace is an expensive process that takes a lot of time and effort. When you repair your furnace instead of replacing it, however, you’ll save yourself thousands of dollars in the long run.
Helps improve air quality
Furnace repair often involves cleaning out dust and debris so that air quality inside your home improves significantly! This means less sneezing, wheezing, and other symptoms associated with poor air quality inside homes that don’t get cleaned regularly enough!
Energy savings
Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace can lead to significant energy savings over time. Modern furnaces often have higher AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings, meaning they convert a higher percentage of fuel into usable heat, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
Extended lifespan
By addressing and fixing issues promptly, furnace repair can extend the lifespan of the existing unit. Regular maintenance and repairs can help keep the furnace running efficiently and reliably, allowing you to get more years of service before needing a replacement.
Lower carbon footprints
A newer furnace will use less energy than an older one, which means that it’s easier on the environment. If you want to feel good about yourself while saving money and helping out the planet, this is definitely something to consider.
Enhanced comfort
When installed by a professional, a new furnace will keep your home feeling warmer when it’s cold outside—and cooler when it’s hot. That means more comfort for your family without having to suffer through freezing temperatures or sweltering heat. What could be better?
Rebates and tax benefits
If you’re considering replacing your furnace, you may want to consider the tax and rebate benefits that come with it. In some states, you can save up to $200 on your taxes by installing a new energy-efficient furnace. And you’ll also be able to take advantage of rebates from your local utility companies or tax credits from the federal government. Your new furnace will also be more comfortable, which means that you’ll have a better quality of life overall.
7 Pro Tips for Maintaining Your Furnace
If you’re like most people, your furnace is a big part of your home. It keeps you warm and cozy in the winter and is a source of relief and comfort when it gets hot in the summer. But just like any other piece of equipment in your house, your furnace requires maintenance to work properly. Here’s how to keep yours running smoothly:
1. Check the filters regularly
2. Keep the vents clear
3. Check for leaks
4. Ensure that all parts are working properly
5. Have a professional clean out your ductwork every few years
6. Avoid leaving objects on top of the unit while it’s running (this can damage parts)
7. Always hire a licensed technician like Best Virginia Heating and Cooling
FAQs
How often should I have my furnace serviced?
You should have your furnace serviced and ready for the coldest season of the year. The frequency will vary depending on how many hours per day your home is heated and cooled and the age of your furnace.
What happens if I don’t have my furnace serviced in time for winter?
If you do not have your furnace serviced before the cold weather hits, it may not be able to keep up with the increased heating demand during this season. The result could be that you must pay more money because you need to run your heater longer than normal or because there are repairs required after a breakdown occurs.
What happens if my furnace breaks down in the middle of winter?
If your Hurricane hydronic diesel furnace breaks down during the winter months, it can be very costly to repair or replace because parts may not be readily available at local supply stores or online retailers such as Amazon Prime or eBay (depending on where you live).
What is the average lifespan of a furnace?
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years, but it can be as long as 25 years or as short as 5. If you have an older furnace, you might want to consider replacing it before it breaks down and leaves you without heat in the winter.
How much does furnace repair cost?
The cost of furnace repair can vary based on the particular issue, the amount of the repairs needed, and the region where you live. Minor repairs can range from $100 to $500, while more significant repairs may cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Can I get financing options for furnace repair or replacement?
Many HVAC companies offer financing options to help with furnace repair or replacement costs. It’s advisable to inquire with local HVAC contractors about financing plans they may offer or explore financing options from banks or financial institutions.
Call the Furnace Experts in Hurricane WV!
When it comes to your furnace, you can’t afford to compromise.
How you feel in your home is as important as how you feel at work. If your heating system is broken, it doesn’t matter how great your job is or how much money you have—you won’t feel comfortable in your home.
That’s why Best Virginia Heating and Cooling offers furnace repair, replacement, and maintenance services for all of our clients in Hurricane, WV. We don’t just want our customers to be warm. We want them to be comfortable!
Whether you need help fixing a damaged part or want an entirely new system installed, we can help with any type of heating issue. Our furnace technicians are trained professionals who know exactly what they’re doing. They’ll take care of everything from start to finish so that you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoy the benefits of a working heating system again!
We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Furnace Maintenance and Replacement
- Furnace Repair
- Heating and Cooling Services
- Boiler Repairs and Replacements
- Thermostat Installation and Upgrades
- Air Conditioning Maintenance
- Air Conditioning Installation
- Air Conditioning Repair
- Air Quality Testing
- Air Handler Repair and Replacement
- And Many More…
Moreover, our technicians are experienced with all types of furnaces, including gas, oil, electric, and even solar-powered ones! If you’re looking for a new heating system or need repairs on an existing one—we’re here for you!
Call us today at 681-655-1214 to talk to one of our qualified furnace experts!
