Furnace Service or Furnace Replacement: What to Consider

September 11, 2015

The cool weather in Chelan and Wenatchee means it’s time to book your annual furnace service. If your furnace is getting up there in years, it might be time to consider a furnace replacement.

As with any home improvement project, a new furnace is a large investment in your home. The pros at Lakeside Heating & Air can help you figure out if it’s time for a furnace replacement or regular furnace service. We have some tips for you to ponder while deciding the future of your furnace.

1. Age of System

This will probably be the decisive factor in deciding if it’s time for a repair or replacement. There have been a lot of improvement in furnace technology over the years, including an increase in efficiency and a decrease in noise. If your furnace has nearly reached adolescence, you should probably start looking for a new system. The experts at Lakeside Heating & Air can assist you in determining if it’s the proper time for a replacement.

2. Cost Comparison

Purchasing a new furnace is an expenditure a homeowner doesn’t want to make until necessary. That’s why analyzing the cost of frequently repairing your furnace against the cost of a replacement is a vital part of the decision-making process. When you start comparing the two we have a few things to keep in mind.

Furnace service

  • Make note of when your warranty expires and note what it covers so you’re always saving as much as possible.

Furnace replacement

  • When considering what size your new furnace needs to be it’s wise to call in the professionals. A technician will determine a load calculation based on your home size and various other factors such as home design, insulation and the typical routine of people living inside the home.
  • The energy efficiency level of the system will factor into the expense of a replacement.
  • Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings will lead to more energy savings down the road.

After you’ve looked at the costs to continually repair your system or to replace it, there’s an uncomplicated rule to use as a guide. If your repair cost is 1/3 the expense of a replacement or if your furnace is reaching old age, the best option may be a replacement.

Our team in Chelan and Wenatchee is here to guide you wherever you are along the decision-making process. Whether you need a repair or some assistance in finding the ideal replacement, give the pros at Lakeside Heating & Air a call at 509-284-4265.