Cooler weather is becoming more and more of a possibility in Rock Hill, which means one thing: it’s time to arrange for your furnace service. However, it’s possible may not be that cut and dry if your system is beginning 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 many other home improvement projects are. So how do you know if you should spring for that new furnace now or arrange to get your annual furnace service handled?
At US Air Heating and Cooling, we know that it can be a difficult decision to make, so here are a few tidbits to keep in mind if you’re unsure which route to choose.
1. Furnace Age
This is most likely the biggest factor in to your decision, as furnace technology has improved a number of things, from energy efficiency to the amount of noise it puts out. If your furnace 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 typical 12-15 year lifetime of a furnace doesn’t mean it can’t run well beyond that. If furnace service has been routine 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 unique circumstances when it comes to identifying the cost of replacing versus having furnace service and repairs done, but there are a number of things to keep in mind when considering the two.
Furnace service
- Get a few estimates to make sure 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 calculated by the size of your home.
- Cost will differ depending on the level of energy efficiency you’re looking for.
- The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the chance for energy savings.
After you figure out the costs of both choices, 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 few of the variables, but the team at US Air Heating and Cooling are more than happy to help you choose which furnace is right when replacement becomes necessary. Give us a call at 803-220-0761 to find out what makes sense for both you and your budget.