When it comes to the furnace, many homeowners might find themselves in a predicament that makes them wonder if replacing the furnace is the better option as opposed to repairing it. With furnaces being a pricy purchase, most hesitate, especially as a furnace typically lasts 15 – 20 years. Considering the options, we at Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing would like to discuss furnace repair versus replacements. To make a more informed decision as to whether or not you replace or repair your furnace, keep in mind there is no set of rules that dictate whether or not you replace the furnace or simply repair it. To help you better decide which is better, below you find the determining circumstances to whether or replacing or repairing is best.

Carbon Monoxide Furnace Leak

Potentially causing fatalities with long-term exposure, carbon monoxide is a silent killer; it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. There are a few circumstances that lead to carbon monoxide leaks, most commonly it is the furnace that has a cracked combustion chamber; this issue cannot be repaired and for your safety, you need to replace the furnace. If you suspect carbon monoxide, you should contact a professional as soon as possible. Signs of carbon monoxide exposure include:
– Around the furnace, there are streaks of soot
– Rusted pipes
– Instead of blue, the furnace burner flame is yellow
– The windows, walls, and other surfaces show excessive condensation
– The upward draft in the chimney is absent
– Symptoms such as disorientation, nausea, headaches, and other flu-like symptoms manifest

Furnace Age

Depending on the year and quality of the model furnace, and how well it was maintained, furnaces can last anywhere from 15-30 years. Increased signs of wear will develop as the furnace lifespan come to a close; this will cause the need for frequent repairs. Where it might be better to make the often repairs if the furnace is under 10 years, anything over 15 years would be better off replaced to avoid investing money in a sinking ship, so to speak.

When Furnace Repair is More than Half the Cost of Replacement

When repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a replacement, experts recommend replacing your furnace as a general guideline. Older furnaces, however that have exceeded 75% of their lifespan should just be replaced f the replacement is a one 3rd of the cost of a replacement.

Higher Operating Costs

Your heating costs fluctuate year to year because of the changes in weather patterns along with supply and demand. However, a problem is indicated if you see unusual spikes from month to month that coincide with your furnace use. The furnace runs inefficiently as the system ages, internal parts wear down. The furnace will then require more energy to compensate for the strain. Noticing the energy spikes should prompt you for to call for a professional so they can assess the situation. If the unit is under 15 and costs are reasonable, repair it, otherwise consider replacing the unit.

Furnace Heating Preventive Maintenance, Emergency Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York

No matter if you simply need the repairs, or ultimately require a replacement furnace, the experts of Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can help! Give us a call to get started.