A Homeowner’s Guide to Deciding on Furnace Replacement

Ouch! You just turned on the furnace for the first time this year, and it did not kick on as it has so many times in the past. A furnace technician just came out and fixed the immediate problem, but it makes you wonder, “How many more repairs should I make before a furnace replacement is necessary?” If you have pondered over this question, never fear. There are some concrete factors that can help with furnace replacement decision-making concerning an aging heating system.

Your 7-Step Checklist for Smart Furnace Replacement Decisions

1. Determine the current problem. Is it an easy and inexpensive solution? If so, making the furnace repair should buy a little time for further deliberation. A complete maintenance service and inspection of the system should uncover any other necessary repairs and the extent of any obvious problems. If the cost of repairs is high, gather some further information to help make a wise decision.
2. A second opinion is never a bad idea.
3. Determine the age of the furnace. If you were not the homeowner during the last furnace replacement, look for documents the former owner might have left behind. If documentation does not exist, collect the Serial/Model number from the manufacturer’s plate. The manufacturer’s website should have a place to establish the manufacturing date. This will give an approximate year for the furnace installation.
   
   The average furnace will last 15 to 20 years. Ascertaining when this significant repair happens on the furnace longevity timeline will help determine whether repair or furnace replacement is the best course of action.

1. Request a J-Load Calculation from Northwind AC and Heating. This investigation collects information, such as square footage, number/size of windows and doors, insulation R-value, and other aspects of the home. The calculation determines the correct size of both air conditioning and heating components. Furnace sizes are measured in BTU output. Air conditioner sizes are measured in tonnage (not the actual weight of the equipment). The technician will be able to give a range of equipment/installation costs. Expect the equipment to differ in cost due to the efficiency rating and the brand name of the equipment.
2. Collect any receipts from previous furnace repairs. If the furnace has accumulated numerous small repairs, this is significant, since an aging system will probably require more similar repairs in the future. Has the same component needed to be replaced several times over the years? Insignificant repairs might become more significant to this decision.
3. Research home energy costs. Gather the energy bills from last month and the same month for the last few years. (This information may be available online through your energy company.) Do not focus on the cost of energy; focus on the kWh used. If you have not added any major appliance, but your energy use is way up, the furnace may be the cause. As a furnace weakens, it requires more energy to complete the same function, a likely cause for the increased energy use.
4. How does the system perform? Does the home seem cold, even when the thermostat setting is set to a comfortable temperature? Are there rooms or spaces that just do not feel warm enough? If the furnace is not keeping the family comfortable and healthy, it is a big indicator that it needs to be replaced.

Ultimately, the furnace replacement decision comes down to the homeowner.

• The cost of a large repair might get close enough to the furnace replacement cost, making the next step clearly obvious.
• The budget may support a costly repair, but would absolutely not support furnace replacement.

The information gathered will facilitate a planned furnace replacement instead of an emergency heater replacement. Planning allows a family to rearrange the budget in preparation and make room in the schedule for a timely installation of the next system

Plan Your Next Furnace Replacement with Northwind AC and Heating

Don’t wait for your aging system to fail during the next cold snap; use this guide to make a proactive decision about your heating needs. If you are questioning whether to choose repair or furnace replacement, you need accurate data like a J-Load Calculation. The experts at Northwind AC and Heating are here to provide a professional assessment and honest recommendations based on your home’s needs and your budget. Call Northwind Air Conditioning and Heating today to schedule your consultation and secure a reliable, efficient heating solution for your home.