When should you repair or replace your heater? Many homeowners ask this question after a breakdown when they’re trying to decide on paying for a repair or simply installing a new system. The age of your system and the cause of the issue impact how to treat the problem.
Our team of heating experts can assess your unique situation to help you decide on the best course forward. The crew at Ambient Edge can also discuss replacing an older system that had become less efficient. Find out more by calling us or completing our online contact form.
Repair vs. Replace: Which Works for You?
There are several common issues to consider whether to repair or replace your heating system. Each homeowner has to decide on their own, but you can work with HVAC professionals to determine the condition of your heater before making your choice.
We’ll review situations where you should repair or replace a heating unit and stand ready to assist you with either option.
When Should You Replace Your Heater?
Generally, the professionals may recommend replacing a heating system more frequently if the system breaks down and:
Repair Costs Are More Than 50% of the Cost of Replacing the Unit
The typical rule of thumb is called the $5,000 rule. First, multiply the age of your furnace by the cost of repairing it. If that cost exceeds $5,000, it’s time to replace the system. If it’s less, then you might consider repairs depending on various factors.
For example, if your heating system is 12 years old and the estimated repairs are $1,200, the total would be $14,400. At this point, the experts consider it time to replace that heating system.
The Heater Is Releasing Carbon Monoxide
If your furnace has a damaged combustion chamber, it can allow deadly carbon monoxide to disperse in your home. Hundreds of people die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning, so it’s not an issue to ignore or delay.
Suppose your furnace pilot flame burns yellow instead of blue. In that case, if there is rust on the pipes, you see soot around the furnace, or you or your family members are feeling the potential effects of carbon monoxide poisoning (flu-like symptoms and disorientation), it’s an emergency.
Get out of the house and call emergency services right away. In this situation, you’ll need to have your heating system replaced.
You Have Rising Utility Bills
If you look at a year’s worth of your energy bills or your 12-month summary from your utility company, you can see patterns in your energy usage. For example, invoices are usually higher at the height of summer and winter due to increased air conditioning and heat use.
But if you see unexpected spikes or gradual, sustained rises, it could indicate your system is operating inefficiently. That could mean it’s on the decline or simply that it needs some repairs.
Calls for Repairs Are Happening More Often
At first, it seems like small things — minor repairs of small parts. But, the repairs get more significant and more severe, and the repair costs start to mount.
Heating systems in good working order don’t need constant repair. And at a certain point, you need to weigh the repair costs against the cost of a replacement. After that, repairs just won’t be worth it.
The Heater Makes a Lot of Noise
Aside from the noises a furnace makes when it turns off and on, it’s a pretty quiet system. If yours is banging, knocking, screeching, or buzzing, call on Ambient Edge for assistance.
The problem could be as simple as ductwork or a part that has come loose, or it could be as severe as a failing motor.
You Plan on Selling Your Home Within Five Years
Buying a home represents a considerable investment. Therefore, many home buyers look for new heating systems when considering their options, as efficient heaters can save them money in the long run and are less likely to require expensive repairs.
Older heating systems with a history of breaking down may convince buyers to ignore your home when it’s time to sell. However, a brand new system can be an investment for both you and potential new homeowners.
What Is the Average Life of a Heater?
Furnaces have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. So, if your system is older than 15 years old, but the repair cost is low, you may still want to consider replacing your heater, as the average price over time is likely to climb quickly.
If your older furnace needs repair, while it might be minor this time, the repairs will likely become more frequent and expensive in a short time.
Is It Worth Repairing a Heater?
When asking, “should you repair or replace your heater,” the answer is often “go for repairs.” However, if you have a heating system under 12 years old that has broken down for the first time, you may not want to jump directly to replacing the unit.
A skilled heater repair technician can visit your property and assess the causes of your problems. In many cases, crews can quickly conduct repairs for issues caused by:
- Old or clogged filters
- Dirt in the heater’s ductwork system
- Failing starting mechanisms
- Malfunctions in the heat exchanger
- Blower component issues
- Problems with the limit switch
Crews can also assess your thermostat to see if it needs adjusting. We also check your circuit breaker to see if the problem originated there. Allow us to discuss all the options before you right now so you can make the choice that fits your needs.
When Should You Repair or Replace Your Heater?
If your furnace has been acting strange or you believe you’ll require a repair or replacement soon, have the team from Ambient Edge out before the weather gets cold.
Because heating systems are heavily in use in the winter, they break more often in the winter. We work hard to stay in front of every service call, but the wait for service appointments can be longer when it gets hectic.
Schedule Annual Maintenance Visit Before Winter Arrives
This small investment can help determine if your furnace will be up and running in good condition when the cold sets in or if you’ll need repairs or a system replacement.
The further in advance you know about significant expenses such as furnace replacement, the longer you’ll have to analyze your options and the more time you’ll have to budget for the cost.
Additionally, purchasing a new heating system can sometimes be higher in winter, when they are in high demand.
The longer you have to plan, the better you can time your purchase to take advantage of any potential federal, state, or local incentives or rebates for energy-efficient systems.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Heater?
The cost of heater replacement in Nevada can vary based on the make, model, and size of the system you install. Our team can discuss the charges before scheduling the replacement to make sure that you have no surprises for costs.
We believe in transparent, and upfront pricing for our clients and will also go over costs for possible repairs if you’re not interested in replacing your old system at the moment.
Schedule Heater Repair or Replacement Services Today
Our team at Ambient Edge can help you answer the question: should you repair or replace your heater? We can assess your heating system, provide you with detailed information about the problem, and discuss options to get your unit working again.
Our technicians provide you with a timeline for repairs or replacement services. We also offer 24-hour service, free estimates, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee for furnace repairs or emergencies.
Find out more about our services by calling or completing our online contact form now.
