When is an HVAC system too old? There is not a single correct answer to this question when it comes to heating replacement. Our technicians at Merts Heating & Air Conditioning are asked this question repeatedly, almost always when an Illinois or Northwestern Indiana homeowner needs an expensive repair. The correct answer is always based on your unique situation.
Safety first
This will always be the primary consideration. If a heating system replacement is required because of safety concerns, then there really is no choice. A common example is a cracked heat exchanger in a furnace that could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. It can be fixed, but you must decide if the repair is worth it.
Age of system
A well-maintained furnace should last 10-15 years on average. If that’s how old yours is then you may want to consider a heating replacement, even if the furnace is working well. Age increases the odds of a major breakdown, and it’s a lot less stressful to replace a furnace in an orderly and relaxed fashion rather than an emergency replacement when it breaks down during a severe cold snap.
Point of no return
Everyone has a breaking point when it comes to repairing your old HVAC system. Frequent costly breakdowns are a sign you should be seriously considering a replacement in the near future. Only you can decide how much money is too much to spend when it comes to repairing your old furnace. What Merts can do is give you the information needed to make an educated decision. Some factors to consider:
- How much the current repair will cost
- How long the repair can be expected to last
- The likelihood of more repairs
- The age of your furnace
- How much a heating replacement will cost
Performance & technology upgrade
Even with maintenance, furnaces will get less efficient as they age. A good sign of inefficient operation is a room, or rooms that never get warm. Or the furnace has to run for an unusually long time before the house reaches the temperature set on the thermostat. This results in higher monthly utility bills. Additionally, if your gas furnace is 15-20 years old, there’s a good chance it was only 60 to 70 percent efficient when brand new. These days, furnaces have efficiency ratings of 90 to 95 percent or even higher. That can save a lot of money every month.
Merts helps add it all up
Merts Heating & Air Conditioning will take you through the number crunching process for a heating replacement. Once all the factors are considered, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home. Stay updated with more great information like this by liking and following us on Facebook and Twitter.