Cooler weather is becoming a real possibility in Tucker, which means one thing: it’s time to set up your furnace service. However, it may not be that cut and dry if your system is starting to get up there in age and has been causing difficulties over the last few years.
Furnace replacement is an investment in your home, like nearly all 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 completed?
At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, we know that it can be a hard decision to make, so here are a few tidbits to keep in mind if you’re unsure 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 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 putting that money towards a new system.
However, the average 12-15 year lifespan of a furnace doesn’t mean it can’t run well beyond that. If furnace service has been consistent and it has been correctly maintained, you could 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 few things to keep in mind when comparing the two.
Furnace service
- Get multiple estimates to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Keep track of when your warranty is up and note what it contains so you’re always saving as much as possible.
Furnace replacement
- Furnace size will be calculated by the size of your home.
- Cost will vary depending on the level of energy efficiency you’re searching for.
- The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the chance for energy savings.
After you determine 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 few of the variables, but the pros at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning are more than happy to help you determine which furnace is right when replacement becomes a necessity. Give us a call at 770-450-1539 to find out what makes sense for both you and your budget.