Is your furnace acting up and leaving you wondering if it’s time to repair or replace it? Making this decision can be tricky since furnaces are complex appliances and assessing when it’s time to upgrade isn’t always straightforward. Here’s some of the key factors to consider when deciding whether to invest in furnace repairs or furnace replacement Tempe AZ-based.

How Old Is Your Current Furnace?

The first thing to look at when determining whether to repair or replace your furnace is its age. Furnaces typically last between 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer if properly maintained. Once your system reaches that 15 year mark, it’s a good idea to start budgeting and planning for a replacement. If your furnace is newer, but you’re already facing expensive annual repairs, replacement may also be the best option.

What Issues Have You Been Having?

The types of problems you’ve had with your furnace also play a role in whether it’s worth investing in repairs. Minor issues like dirty filters or loose wiring can benefit from simple, affordable repairs.

However, if you’ve noticed the furnace struggles to keep your home warm, frequent shutdowns or fires, chronic gas leaks, or dangerous carbon monoxide leaks, replacement is likely the necessary solution. These systemic failures indicate wear and tear that can’t be remedied through basic fixes.

How Efficient Is It?

Another factor to think about is your furnace’s efficiency. If your unit is more than 10 years old, converting to a newer high-efficiency model can dramatically improve energy performance and lower your heating bills.

New Energy Star rated systems can deliver 20-30% better efficiency than those manufactured even 5 to10 years ago. Weigh the expected furnace repairs against the long-term savings of upgrading before deciding.

Do You Plan on Selling Your Home Soon?

If you’re getting ready to sell your home in the next 3 to 5 years, investing in furnace replacement instead of short-term repairs can really pay off. Bringing your HVAC system up to date with a new efficient unit adds value and appeal to prospective home buyers.

In many cases, it can allow you to recoup much of the replacement cost by increasing your home’s market price. Considering your plans to sell can help determine if replacement is the wiser choice.

Trust Your HVAC Pro’s Judgement

Sometimes the decision between repairing or replacing your furnace comes down to the recommendation of an experienced professional once they’ve inspected your system. Reputable HVAC companies want to offer you the most cost-effective solution, not always the most expensive.

When an HVAC pro suggests its time to upgrade after examining your furnace, it’s usually prudent to take their advice and invest in a new unit. They have the knowledge to accurately assess whether repairs will be sufficient or a new furnace is the better choice.

Determining whether to repair or replace your aging or malfunctioning furnace requires looking at multiple factors – its age, repair history, efficiency, and overall condition. It also helps to consider your plans for selling the home soon as well as trusting the judgment of HVAC professionals.

Weighing these elements will ensure you select the most cost-effective and practical option for your situation. With the right information, you can make a furnace decision that keeps you warm now while saving valuable time, money, and effort down the road.