Your furnace or boiler works tirelessly, year after year. So, as time passes, it starts to become worn down and, ultimately, needs to be replaced. Instead of continuously spending money on repairs, it may make good financial sense to purchase a new system.
Of course, we know that replacing your heating system can be quite costly. Nevertheless, in most cases, you will save money in the long run—with lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and fewer headaches. After all, a new furnace or boiler can easily last 15 years with routine maintenance.
When Should I Replace My System?
Here are a few telltale signs that your furnace or boiler needs to be replaced:
Costly, Frequent Repairs
As your heating system reaches that 15 -to 20-year mark, it is more likely to break down or experience major issues. In other words, the older it gets, the more likely you’ll have to keep calling a technician to your home or business to repair the system. People often ask—when is a good time to replace my furnace or boiler? A good rule of thumb is that if your repair costs will exceed 50% of the cost of a new system, you might as well replace the unit.
Age of Your System
As aforementioned, after nearly two decades, your system is most likely not going to be in tip-top shape. Even if you haven’t had to invest in extensive repairs, it might be wise to invest in a model that is more energy-efficient. Every few years, new furnaces and boilers come to market that can drastically cut your energy costs. While we’re not suggesting that home and business owners should upgrade every few years, you should consider it if your unit is nearly 15 years old.
Higher Energy Costs
While this might be obvious to some, older systems will work harder and, therefore, use more energy—leading to higher energy bills every month. Keep track of your energy bill each season and take note if you’re spending more money gradually or rather rapidly. If you’re spending considerably more, chances are that your unit is no longer as energy-efficient as it once was. So, replace your furnace or boiler with a more effective unit to save money in the long run.
When Should I Repair My System?
If you have a heating system that’s less than 10 years old, your unit is most likely still energy efficient and only requires repairs from time to time. Again, look at the cost of replacing the system versus simply repairing it. If you need a minor repair and catch it fairly early on, you’re likely to spend just the cost of the repair call. However, if your furnace or boiler needs a major repair that costs nearly as much as a replacement unit, it might not make financial sense to repair the system.
The best way to minimize expensive repairs is to schedule annual check-ups for your furnace or boiler. As your system gets older, an HVAC technician can take a look at it and identify potential issues. By troubleshooting and performing maintenance tasks, a qualified technician can solve small problems before they become bigger (and more expensive) headaches.
Rely on the Industry Experts at (407) 603-4410
Whether you are looking to repair your current heating system or replace it with a more energy-efficient unit, our HVAC professionals can recommend a solution that suits your needs and your budget.
American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical has been Central Florida’s top HVAC company since 1986, providing quality installation and service to home and business owners throughout the area. Whether a commercial or residential project, American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical can offer their expertise to provide 24-hour emergency repairs for furnaces and boilers. And, if you’re looking for a new system installation, we can certainly help with that, too! Call us today at (407) 603-4410.
