Home furnaces can have a lot of strain put on them during periods of cold weather. Extremely cold weather can cause the furnace to run all the time. If the furnace seems to be struggling to heat the home, it may be time to repair or replace the unit.

Dent AC has tips on whether the furnace should be repaired or replaced before the next cold spell hits.

Age

It is a good idea to replace instead of repair furnaces that have been operating for more than 15 years. Units older than 15 years will continue to lose efficiency every season. The cost to repair the unit will eventually be greater than the cost to replace the unit. It is recommended by the EPA and Department of Energy that homeowners replace furnaces older than 15 years.

Frequent Breakdowns

If the heating system has broken down multiple times over the past several years, repairs may not be the best option. In some cases the repairs can add up substantially over time, costing homeowners more than investing in a new system.

Noise

If the furnace system has to overexert itself to keep up with the heating demands, it can become excessively noisy or turn off randomly.
Establish and maintain a regular maintenance schedule to preserve the function of your system, including annual professional maintenance to prevent problems before they occur. With units making noise, it is most likely a repair that is needed.

Cost

When looking at repair versus replacement, homeowners should consider the $5,000 rule recommended by Angieslist. Take the age of the equipment and multiply that by the repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacement. If the number is less that $5,000, consider repair. For example, a 10-year-old unit with a $350 repair equals $3,500. It’s OK to repair.

Dent AC can help. Need a healthier, more comfortable life? We can change the way you feel about your home.