Cooler weather is becoming more and more of a possibility in Houston, 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 starting 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 most other home improvement projects are. So how do you know if you should buy that new furnace now or simply get your annual furnace service done?
At Marcos AC & Heating, we know that it can be a tough decision to make, so here are a few pointers to keep in mind if you’re uncertain which path to choose.
1. Furnace Age
This is most likely the biggest factor in to your decision, as furnace technology has improved a lot of things, from energy efficiency to the amount of noise it produces. If your equipment is more than 12 years old, it may not make sense to put a lot of money in to repairs when you could be putting that money towards a new system.
However, the average 12-15 year lifecycle of a furnace doesn’t mean it can’t run well beyond that. If furnace service has been scheduled regularly and it has been well maintained, you could be able to go beyond that 12-15 year average.
2. Cost of replacing vs. servicing/repairing
There are always variables when it comes to determining the cost of replacing versus having furnace service and repairs done, but there are a couple things to keep in mind when comparing the two.
Furnace service
- Get a couple estimates to make certain you’re getting the best deal.
- Keep track of when your warranty is up and note what it includes 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 wanting.
- The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the chance for energy savings.
After you figure out the costs of both routes, 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 solution.
Of course, these are only a couple of the variables, but the pros at Marcos AC & Heating are more than happy to help you determine which furnace is right when replacement becomes necessary. Give us a call at 713-469-3357 to find out what makes sense for both you and your budget.