Health Hazards
One of the biggest, and perhaps most important, reasons to replace your furnace would be if it is threatening the health of you and your family. Sometimes when a unit is damaged, it is easy to fix with a simple repair. Your local HVAC company could have you back to your daily routine in no time. This is not always the case, though. While repairs to valves and wires could be simple enough, repairs to a cracked heat exchanger are significantly more complicated. And if this issue is left unresolved, then the furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide into your house. This deadly, odorless gas is not something you ever want in your home. If there is an imminent threat of a carbon monoxide leak, it could be time to replace your unit entirely.
Long-Term Cost
Replacing a furnace is not cheap. However, if you find yourself repairing the unit over and over again, then you may actually save money in the long run by replacing it with a new unit. A good way to determine whether to repair or replace it is to compare the costs directly. If the cost of repairing the unit is more than 50% of the cost to replace it, then it may be a good idea to go ahead and invest in the replacement.
To help offset the costs, you may be able to take advantage of rebates through Ameren Missouri or Summit Natural Gas. With Ameren Missouri, you could earn rebates by purchasing a new, energy-efficient system. Summit Natural Gas offers great rebates as well for purchasing new systems and recycling the old one. Check out the available rebates here!
Unit's Lifespan
The average lifespan of a furnace is about 15-20 years. Remember that this is an average, not an exact range. Your 20-year-old furnace could still be running strong. This range is when half of all units have burnt out and half are still running. Some furnaces will last longer if they are well maintained and serviced, while others will struggle with longevity due to harsh winters and inadequate care. When your unit starts needing frequent repairs, then it is probably time to make a change and replace the furnace.
Efficiency
The purpose of your HVAC system is to keep you comfortable in your home regardless of hot or cold it is outside. If your system is no longer performing its job well, or if the heating bill has suddenly skyrocketed, it could be time to take action. Call your local HVAC company to come out and check whether the issue has a quick fix or means your unit needs to be replaced. Sometimes your HVAC system simply needs to be serviced and have the ductwork cleaned out. Your furnace could also just be an old, inefficient system. HVAC technology has advanced significantly over time, so replacing your old unit could be exactly what the system needed.
Your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC
HVAC systems can be difficult to understand and diagnose if you don't have experience working with them regularly. Our professional technicians are experienced and knowledgeable. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake, after all! Call today to schedule your winter maintenance appointment: 573-480-4313. We can't wait to serve you!
Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"
