Your furnace is at the heart of your home’s heating system. When it starts acting up, you need to figure out if repairing it is enough or if it’s time to replace it. Making this decision isn’t always straightforward. Here are some key factors to weigh when deciding between furnace repair in Beaverton or replacement.
Check the Age of Your Current Furnace
The first thing to look at is the age of your existing furnace. Most have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is nearing or past that mark, replacement may make more sense than sinking money into repairs. Older furnaces tend to have lower efficiency and higher maintenance needs.
Newer models are more energy efficient and keep your energy bills lower. If you know your furnace is getting up there in years, replacement may be the wiser investment. That said, some well-maintained furnaces can last over 25 years. Age alone doesn’t dictate replacement if the unit is still in good shape.
Assess the Severity of the Problem
Next, you need to assess what exactly is wrong with your furnace. Some problems like a cracked heat exchanger mean major repairs. It likely makes more sense to replace the furnace than sink $1,000 or more into a repair for an aging unit.
On the other hand, minor issues like a faulty thermostat may justify repair, especially if the furnace is still in decent condition otherwise. Evaluate the severity of issues to determine if you’re just dealing with routine maintenance or major system failure indicating replacement.
Factor in Repair Costs
The cost of repairs obviously impacts the repair vs replace decision. Have a technician assess your furnace and provide a written estimate for parts, labor, and any other repair costs. Compare this to the cost of a new furnace and installation. As a rule of thumb, it doesn’t make sense to repair if the costs exceed 50% of a new furnace.
You’re better off-putting that money toward replacement. Of course, also factor in the condition of your existing unit. Spending 40% on repairs to a 5-year-old furnace may be worthwhile.
Consider Any Previous Repairs
Think about what repairs you’ve already put into your furnace. Have you spent money replacing parts and fixing issues in the past 1 to 2 years? If you’ve already sunk $500 or more into repairs recently, it may be time to cut your losses. Too many repairs too soon can signal a system on its last legs. At that point, you’re likely better off replacing it before it fails completely.
Check Local Rebates and Incentives
Don’t forget to check for any rebates or incentives for new furnace installation in your area. Many utility companies offer these along with municipal, provincial, or federal governments. The incentives can add up and help offset the upfront cost of replacement. Just make sure to research what’s available in your region.
Get Input from Professionals
When you’re still unsure if repair or replacement is the best route, seek additional input from HVAC professionals. Get a second opinion on your furnace’s condition, repair estimates, and whether a replacement makes more sense. Consulting with experts can provide added insight before you commit to repairs or a new unit. Just make sure to get quotes from multiple companies before making any final decisions.
At the end of the day, the repair vs replacement decision depends on your specific situation. Consider the age and condition of your existing furnace, the cost of furnace repair in Beaverton, new features you may want, and other relevant factors. If the scales tip toward replacement, look into any rebates or incentives in your area to help offset the investment in a new more energy-efficient.
