Heaters are a saving grace, especially on those cold winter mornings when getting out of bed seems like a chore. Unfortunately, heaters are susceptible to damage. Many people get perplexed whether they should repair or replace their heater when it stops working, making winters more difficult. Here are six questions you should ask yourself to determine if you need to repair or replace your heater.
1. What Is the Age of Your Furnace?
Usually, furnaces last for about 15 years or more if an expert takes care of the maintenance on a timely basis. However, the furnace’s efficiency takes a hit as it ages, resulting in costly repairs. If your furnace is around 15-years-old and runs into frequent problems, it is time for a replacement.
2. The Condition Your Furnace Is In?
Repairing a furnace that has been working well before makes sense. This is because it is very likely that it has only a few problems that could be taken care of quickly without busting your budget. However, if your heater or furnace is sooty, blowing cold air, giving off weird noises, or is rusty, it is time to invest in a new furnace.
In some cases, using the furnace or heater can be outright dangerous, such as when the heat exchanger is broken. This will expose you to the deadly carbon monoxide and calls for a replacement.
3. What Are Estimates for Repairs?
The age and condition of your furnace determine how much you pay in repairs, as we have highlighted in the last two points.
If the cost of repairs is a few hundred dollars on a semi-used furnace, it might be sensible to get the repairs done. However, investing in a new heater is more effective if the repairs are going to drain a few thousand dollars.
4. Are There Energy Savings on A New Furnace?
Furnaces made today are saving significantly more energy than their counterparts made ten or more years ago. By installing a new furnace, not only are you reducing your energy bills but also reducing your carbon footprint.
In some, you can save up to 25-percent in energy bills annually by comparing the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of two heaters. However, it would help if you also considered the cost of installing a brand new furnace.
5. What Options Are Available with a New Furnace?
Newer heaters and furnaces come with options not available with older models. For example, you can now combine an air purifier or humidifier with a furnace to improve air quality indoors. Moreover, you can set up temperature zones in the house with the help of a new furnace. If you are looking for these features, then it worth investing in a new furnace.
6. How Is Your Budget Looking Like?
It all comes down to which furnace is lighter on your pocket. Compare the price of a new heater with repairs. Mostly, repairs will come out on the lower side, but after considering special offers and potential energy savings, a new furnace might be justified in the end. Still, the decision varies from one scenario to the other.
Having an operational furnace is a necessity. If you live in Fresno, call California Indoor Comfort for heater repair in Fresno, CA. California Indoor Comfort (CIC) is where comfort and technology come together.