Occasionally, when furnaces break down, the repair costs can be extortionate. In this situation, people might think that it is more sensible to purchase a new model simply. The right approach depends on several things — and this includes the customer.
Let us assess the variables you should take into account when it is time to make a choice.
If the furnace repair costs get near to $1000, it is wise to research the prices of new units. Also, you should think about the frequency of repairs — if you have paid for numerous repairs over the last couple of years, it might be too expensive.
You could have a brand new furnace fitted for $3000 or more. If you time things correctly, you might even be able to get a rebate. (We can not provide exact prices for furnaces here, because they vary significantly based on the features and model).
Request a consultation about a new furnace, then get several quotes for models that suit your property. Research what the monthly fees and interest will be for financing options too.
By doing this, you can compare the different prices and decide what suits you best.
The age of the Furnace
If your furnace is more than a decade old, think about getting a new one instead of getting a heating repar. Normally, furnaces last a minimum of fifteen years and they could go for last longer, particularly with frequent maintenance. However, like many machines, furnaces might develop problems over time.
To discover the age of your furnace, simply read the label on its’ front. Typically, installers write the date of installation on this. If not, locate the serial number and model from your appliance documents and contact the manufacturer. In the event that you have lost the original documents, it can be located on a label inside the door of the main cabinet. Request that your technician writes this down when he opens the cabinet. (Please note: It can be hazardous to open a furnace if you are unsure of what to do, so do not do this alone).
The technology used in furnaces has advanced considerably over the past ten to fifteen years. This has resulted in far more efficient systems being offered for sale. We will discuss this shortly.
If you have a newer furnace, it might be covered by its’ warranty still. Read your information package and manual to check.
Staying Safe
Furnaces are fuel-burning appliances, so certain byproducts are naturally produced from them that are hazardous, and should be vented outdoors. CO, or Carbon monoxide, is the most dangerous of these byproducts. It is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you.
Sometimes, a furnace problem (for instance, a heat exchanger that is cracked) means that gasses such as carbon monoxide can enter your property. If you are alerted to such a problem by your technician, it is certainly time to buy a new furnace. A furnace crack will enlarge while the heat exchanger produces heat. It is extremely costly to replace heat exchangers, so you might as well purchase another furnace.
(While we’re on the subject, we trust that you have installed a carbon monoxide alarm in your property — these alarms are affordable and could save your life. In some states, you are legally required to install these).
Monthly gas Charges and Efficiency
One thing that many people overlook when their furnace is old is fuel efficiency. Your outdated system could be burning a hole in your bank account. Modern furnaces tend to be about twenty-five percent better than old fashioned models, in terms of efficiency.
To find out about this, compare the yearly fuel usage efficiency (AFUE) figures for the new furnace and the old one. If it was made in the eighties, a furnace might be seventy or eighty percent AFUE, whereas modern furnaces are legally required to be at least ninety percent AFUE.
If your old fashioned furnace is seventy percent and the model you want to buy is ninety-five percent, you would end up with twenty-five percent more efficiency. Once you have this data, you can read through your previous energy bills and calculate what savings you should make.
Bear in mind, AFUE ratings reflect a furnace’s potential. If your furnace is not maintained properly, it might become less efficient, particularly if it is an older model.
Hard to Heat Rooms
Certain properties have whole floors or rooms that cannot be heated properly. There might be a number of reasons for this, such as poor insulation, a wrong sized furnace, or badly designed ductwork. Certain furnaces simply aren’t good at maintaining a steady temperature, when they only have one gas burner and/or blower motor speed.
Although it costs money to get another furnace, it also gives you the chance to make your living space more comfortable. Gather all the necessary data and calculate the associated costs.
Levels of Noise
Some older or cheaper furnaces do not have the noise reduction features of modern models. From cabinet sound insulation to the design of the motor, there’s much you can do to keep your furnace quiet.
What level of noise does your furnace make? There’s plenty of smartphone apps you can use to find out. Contrast that to the level of noise specified for the new furnaces you might be interested in. If the leaflet does not provide the noise level in decibels, find out the correct reading from your heating consultant.