The decision of whether to replace or repair a malfunctioning furnace is a common dilemma among homeowners in Shreveport, LA. There are a few key factors that you need to consider when in this situation. Here’s a guide.
Choosing Repair Over Replacement: Key Considerations
Repairing a malfunctioning furnace is typically the more economical option. You should consider it under the following circumstances.
Your Warranty Is Still Valid
The current industry trend among furnace manufacturers today is to provide their customers assurance that their system is efficient and reliable using long-term warranties. The warranty period has grown from five years to 10+ years over the last decade.
If you are certain that your furnace warranty is still valid, opt for repairs. Your coverage will pay for parts replacement from trusted vendors and may offset some labor costs (that is if you have a labor warranty). However, labor is almost never covered under HVAC warranties.
A warranty is only valid if you registered your furnace with your manufacturer, hired a licensed and certified HVAC technician to install your system, and adhered to the recommended maintenance schedule. Also, you should not have attempted DIY repairs at any moment when your system was malfunctioning.
If your system meets these criteria, gather all your receipts for previous repairs and maintenance services. Your HVAC technician can use that information to guide you through the process of making a claim.
Your System Is Still Efficient
Even old furnaces can still operate efficiently and effectively. If yours still does a good job keeping you warm, there’s no need to get a new one; you can simply repair it when issues arise.
An ‘efficient system’ is characterized by lower energy consumption, consistent temperature control, and good indoor air quality. An efficient furnace also infrequently breaks down or shows signs of malfunction. It should still be operating at a whisper-quiet noise level and produce only fresh, warm air at all times.
The Issue at Hand Is Simple
While this factor will require an expert’s input, you should generally go for repairs when the damage or problem with your furnace is relatively easy to deal with. Examples of such issues include increased energy bills, strange odors and sounds, inconsistent or no heat, constant cycling, and carbon monoxide detector alert.
An energy bill spike indicates that your furnace works harder than it should. The reason for this could range from poor home insulation or leaking ducts to malfunctioning components. An HVAC technician will help you find the exact cause, and chances may be that your furnace is not at fault.
Strange odors and sounds are signs of an already existing problem. For instance, by the time the musty foul smell engulfs your home, microbial growth in or around your system is already significant. Similarly, you are hearing rattling noises because something is loose or broken inside your furnace. The only thing you can do in these circumstances is to turn your system off and immediately call for help. Continuing to use it will only aggravate the issue.
Furnaces fail to produce heat when there are issues with the gas supply, a faulty pilot light, a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or blocked vents. The same problems can also cause constant cycling.
Turn off your heating system and the main gas supply immediately after your carbon monoxide detector goes off. You likely have a gas leak. Carbon monoxide gas is very poisonous and can suffocate people in your household during this time when windows and doors are always kept shut.
Limited Budget
Prompt repairs and regular maintenance can keep your system going as you save for a modern, energy-efficient furnace. However, it’s important to remember that repairs, especially for an old system, are a temporary fix. If your HVAC contractor provides a financing option, you should look at the terms to determine if they can work for you. If not, just keep up with repairs until you can front the total cost for a replacement.
When to Consider Replacement
Buying a new furnace has lots of advantages. It not only guarantees superior comfort levels but also enhances energy efficiency and reduces utility bills. Consider furnace replacement under the following circumstances.
Old Furnace Age
An old furnace is a disaster waiting to happen. It struggles to maintain a consistent temperature while consuming so much energy. The amount of wear and tear on all of its parts cannot be simply fixed or replaced.
For example, if you replace the heat exchanger, it will be more powerful and efficient than all the other parts. Those other parts will have to work harder to keep up with it, further leading to more wear and tear and increased energy consumption.
Aging furnaces also increase the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. The wear and tear on their core components, such as the heat exchanger and flue pipe, can leak this colorless, odorless gas into your indoor space.
Moreover, multiple sources have claimed that old heating systems are the leading cause of home fires. In fact, home insurance providers take into account the condition of the furnace when determining coverage. If your system is outdated, there will be limitations on repair reimbursements or even exclusions from coverage.
Increased Furnace Repair Costs
If you call for professional furnace repair almost every cooling season, your system is struggling. With regular maintenance, an efficient furnace should barely break down.
So, if you are spending money on regular preventative maintenance and your repair costs are still high, consider a replacement. Also, if components such as a heat exchanger, blower motor, or coils are broken beyond fixing, it would be more cost-efficient to just buy a new system when you are not covered under a warrant. The cost of these parts is sometimes more than half the price of a new system, and they will end up straining the other worn-out but not broken components of your furnace.
The general rule of thumb is that if the repair expenses are equivalent to approximately 30% of the furnace’s value, it is on its last legs. The costs will only get worse from there.
Renovating Your Home
Before an HVAC contractor installs a furnace, they must conduct a process known as HVAC commissioning. This involves verifying that a particular furnace can efficiently and effectively condition a specific space. The technician will assess factors such as house layout, size, insulation level, and your area’s climate and use that information to find the right type, model, and size of furnace to install for optimal performance.
If you make any changes in your home, you will also need to change your furnace to avoid tipping off the balance of your heating system. Consider hiring a qualified technician to recommission your home and find another perfect system to use.
Contact Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co. for More Information
Contact Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co. for professional advice on whether to replace or repair your furnace. Our technicians, with decades of combined experience in the HVAC industry, can help you make the best decision for your home and budget. We also offer expert services for heat pumps, mini splits, and plumbing systems. Trust us with your heating and home comfort and safety needs; we guarantee 100% satisfaction.
Call Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co. today to replace or repair your furnace in Shreveport.