One of the toughest decisions a homeowner will need to make throughout their years of home ownership is when to replace a heating system. While there’s something to be said for getting the most mileage out of a furnace or heat pump, eventually the time will come when it’s no longer cost-effective to keep it around.
That time usually comes when your heating system has broken down, prompting you to call us for heating repair service in Covington. For an expensive repair on an old system, we’ll always give you an honest opinion on whether it should be repaired or replaced. Let’s go over what factors influence this monumental decision.
Repairs Are Always an Option
Some repairs are costly and depending on other factors like the age of the heating system, a repair isn’t always the best option. There’s a rule you can follow to decide if a repair expense is worth the cost. It’s called the $5,000 rule and it’s easy to determine. All you do is multiply the cost of a repair by the age of the heating system. If the total exceeds $5,000, it’s better to replace it. If it’s less, you should repair it.
Here’s a quick example. If the estimated repair is $300 and your heating system is 7 years old, $300 x 7 is $2100. That means you should move forward with the repair.
System Age
The estimated lifespan of heating systems such as furnaces and heat pumps is between 10-15 years. If you own a furnace, an electric furnace will last longer than a gas furnace.
It’s during the last 2-3 years of its lifespan that homeowners notice that their heating systems are on a sharp decline. If your heating system is at the end of its estimated lifespan or has exceeded it, we recommend replacement.
The good news is that furnaces and heat pumps have advanced so much in the last 10 years that you’ll reap the rewards of higher efficiency while lowering the amount you pay for utilities.
System Performance and Efficiency
For some homeowners, the answer to whether to repair or replace comes down to one question: how’s your home comfort level? A heating system that isn’t keeping you warm enough (or that’s costing too much to run) is overdue for replacement. Why keep throwing money away on high utility bills while still not feeling comfortable in your home? A new system will keep you warm and cozy and will cost less money to run.
Home Investment
What are your long-term goals for your home? Do you plan to live in it for the rest of your life, or is it possible you may sell in the next few years? If it’s the former, a new heating system is a great investment. If it’s the latter, getting it repaired is the better option. That way, the next owner can decide what type of HVAC system they want to invest in.
When you need it done right contact Professional Heating & Air.