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 However, if your furnace is old, outdated, inefficient, or damaged, your heating costs may rise and it may be harder and harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.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.