Furnace Replacement vs. Repair: The Pros and Cons

Choosing Between Furnace Repair and Replacement in Seattle, WA

Your home’s furnace system can keep your home safe and comfortable throughout winter. However, if your furnace is old, outdated, inefficient, or damaged, your heating costs may rise and it may be harder and harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Even with regular care and maintenance, your furnace will eventually need to be repaired. As your furnace ages and becomes less efficient, it may need more frequent repairs, and it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, more efficient model. Here is your guide to choosing between furnace repair and replacement in Seattle, WA.

Signs You Need to Call a Furnace Repair Service

Problems with your furnace can cause discomfort and inconvenience. If you have children, elderly people, or pets in your household, furnace problems can also pose health and safety risks. It’s important to recognize the early warning signs that you should call a furnace repair service:

• There is an increase in your energy bills.
• There are multiple cold spots in your home.
• Your furnace needs to run longer to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
• You hear strange noises from the furnace, like rattling, banging, hissing, or humming.
• You smell a burning odor or musty smell from the furnace or vents.
• You see signs of a leak around your furnace.
• The furnace short-cycles, won’t turn off, or won’t turn on.
• There is weak airflow from your vents.
• The air from your vents is lukewarm or cold.
• The pilot light on the furnace is yellow.
• You smell a gas odor or your carbon monoxide detector goes off.
• You can’t keep the pilot light lit.
• Your home is more humid than usual.
• You notice a decrease in indoor air quality.

How to Decide Between Furnace Repair and Replacement?

When you work with an experienced furnace repair company, your technician will carefully inspect your furnace. They will evaluate its age, condition, wear and tear, safety, performance, and efficiency. They can determine if it would be safer and more cost-effective to repair or replace your furnace. Here are some of the factors they will consider before recommending furnace repair or replacement:

• Your furnace is over 10 years old.
• Your furnace was not installed properly.
• You don’t have the right size furnace for your house or household needs.
• Your furnace is inefficient or unsafe.
• You have paid for multiple furnace repairs over the last few years.
• It is hard or impossible to find replacement parts for your furnace.
• An expensive part needs to be replaced.
• You haven’t kept up with furnace maintenance.

Benefits of Home Furnace Replacement

Replacing your furnace allows you to purchase a newer, more energy-efficient model. An energy-efficient furnace can save you money on your energy bills, keep your home at a more consistent temperature throughout the winter, and allow you to take advantage of government incentives like tax credits and rebates. The biggest benefits of home furnace replacement are:

• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduced energy bills
• Less frequent need for furnace maintenance
• Lower risk of furnace repairs or outages
• More consistent heating and improved comfort
• Improved indoor air quality
• Reduced risk of gas or carbon monoxide leaks
• Increase home value
• Ability to integrate smart home technology
• Right size furnace for your household’s needs

Cost Comparison Between Repairing and Replacing Your Furnace

The cost of a new furnace vs. the cost of repairing your furnace will depend on many factors. An older furnace may cost more to repair and may require more extensive repairs. It may also be harder to find replacement parts for an older furnace. Repairing a furnace that is over 10 years old may end up being more expensive than installing a new furnace. New furnaces are also more energy-efficient, which means they offer long-term cost savings. Energy-efficient furnaces can reduce your need for furnace maintenance and repair, which can save you money. They can also increase the resale value of your home.

Energy Efficiency Considerations When Choosing a New Furnace

Choosing an energy-efficient furnace will improve the safety and comfort of your home and save you money on your energy bills. Here are some tips for choosing an energy-efficient furnace:

• Check the furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) and only choose a high rating. The most energy-efficient furnaces have an AFUE rating of 98.5%.
• Look for a furnace with an ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is an independent testing organization that evaluates the efficiency of appliances. ENERGY STAR appliances are highly efficient.
• Choose the right size furnace for your household. Buying a furnace that is too large will result in energy waste.
• Choose a clean, eco-friendly, and efficient fuel type.
• Install a furnace with a variable-speed blower to adjust your heating output to your climate and needs and improve efficiency.
• Buy a furnace from a reputable brand known for its quality and durability.
• Hire a professional for furnace installation.
• Schedule regular furnace maintenance and furnace inspections to extend the lifespan of your furnace, reduce the need for repairs, and maintain the furnace’s efficiency.
• Know how often to replace furnace filters to improve performance, efficiency, and indoor air quality.

Schedule a Furnace Inspection with Olson Energy Service

At Olson Energy Service, our experienced technicians specialize in residential and commercial AC and furnace replacement services and repairs. We can complete a thorough inspection and evaluation of your furnace to determine if it needs repairs, replacement parts, or maintenance. We can also provide our professional recommendation for furnace repairs or replacement. Call or contact us online to request an estimate or schedule a consultation for furnace repair services or home furnace replacement in Seattle, WA.

How Do Electrical Services Benefit My Home?

Benefits of Residential Electrical Services in Seattle, WA

Your electrical system is the heart of your home. It must run smoothly and safely to provide the necessary power to crucial appliances, electronics, and devices that maintain your comfort, security, and convenience. When you have a problem with your home’s electrical system, you may be at risk of health and safety issues ranging from electrical fires and electric shocks to power outages and power surges. You can maintain the safety and comfort of your home by scheduling regular electrical safety inspections and only trusting professional electrical for electrical services like repairs, installations, and upgrades. Here is a look at the benefits of residential electrical services in Seattle, WA.

What Are Residential Electrical Services?

Residential electrical services are any electrical services provided to your home. They ensure your home’s electrical system is in safe operating condition and is running smoothly and efficiently. Residential electricians or electrical contractors can assess the age, performance, safety, condition, and efficiency of your home’s electrical system and provide recommendations for electrical repairs, maintenance, and upgrades or replacements.

What’s Included in Routine Home Electrical Services?

Routine home electrical services include electrical inspections, maintenance, diagnosis of electrical problems, electrical repairs, and electrical installation services and replacements. Most residential electricians offer the following types of home electrical services:

• Electrical safety inspections
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Electrical repair services
• Electrical outlet installation and replacement
• Electrical code violation services
• Electrical upgrades and replacements
• Emergency electrical services
• Electrical maintenance
• Electrical installation services
• Electrical code compliance services
• Circuit breaker and electrical panel services
• Dedicated electrical circuit installation
• Light fixture and switch repair
• Post-outage repair and restoration services
• Faulty wiring and outlet repair and replacement

When Do You Need Emergency Electrical Services?

Emergency electrical services are services provided in the event of a serious electrical problem, after damage to your electrical system, or during or after a power outage or natural disaster. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of an electrical emergency so you can call an electrician right away. Waiting to call may result in damage to your home or threats to your health, safety, and comfort. Here are some of the signs you need emergency electrical services:

• Smell of burning plastic or metal or a fishy odor coming from outlets, appliances, electronic equipment, or your electrical panel
• Smoke or fire when using an electrical appliance or coming from outlets, switches, or cords
• Sparks from an outlet, when plugging in or unplugging an appliance, or when using an appliance
• Sudden power outage
• Tripped breakers that you can’t reset
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Warm or hot outlets
• Burn or scorch marks on switches or outlets
• Melted plugs, electrical cords, outlets, or switches
• Frayed or damaged electrical wiring
• A buzzing sound from your walls or electrical appliances

Why Hire a Professional for Electrical Installation Services?

Trying to DIY electrical services can result in injury, property damage, and electrical code violations. Your home’s electrical system is very complex, and one wrong move could result in an electric shock, electrocution, electrical fire, property damage, or serious injury or death. Electrical services require specialized knowledge and the use of specialized tools and equipment. Electricians have the education, training, experience, and tools necessary to complete safe electrical repairs. You should only trust a professional, experienced electrician or electrical contractor to provide electrical services. An electrician will make sure your home is safe and that all electrical components are functioning as they should be. They will also ensure electrical repairs are done correctly, safely, and per the National Electric Code.

Benefits of Electrical Services

Scheduling regular electrical services from an experienced electrician will keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable. The biggest benefits of professional residential electrical services are:

• Electrical Safety Inspections – An electrician can inspect and evaluate each component of your electrical system to make sure it is in good condition and operating safely and properly.
• Energy Efficiency Upgrades – Upgrading your electrical appliances or electrical system can improve the energy efficiency of your home. You may see a decrease in your energy bills, and you may be able to take advantage of government incentives like rebates and tax credits.
• Cost Savings – Maintaining your home’s electrical system will reduce your risk of electrical outages, electrical emergencies, and the need for electrical repairs. You can save time and money by staying up to date on routine electrical services and maintenance.
• Increased Home Value – Hiring a professional for electrical services will maintain the value and comfort of your home. Making energy-efficient electrical upgrades can increase the value of your home and make it easier to sell in the future.
• Smart Home Integration – A residential electrician can help you integrate smart home technology into your home. This can improve convenience, comfort, safety, and accessibility for your whole family.

Request an Estimate for Home Electrical Services

Olson Energy Service is a local, family-owned and operated electrical services provider. We are committed to electrical safety, quality workmanship, cost-effective electrical solutions, and exceptional customer service. We specialize in residential and commercial electrical services, including electrical safety inspections, compliance and code violation services, electrical efficiency upgrades, electrical maintenance and repair, electrical installations, emergency electrical services, and more. Call or contact us online to request an estimate or schedule a consultation for home electrical services in Seattle, WA.