Do You Need Heating System Repair or Replacement?

heating-system-repair The holidays are over but winter hasn’t left us just yet. Which means your heating system still has work to do this season.

A broken heater is a problem that you need to solve immediately. But this brings up a common question: “Do I do a heating system repair? Or do I do a heating system replacement?”

Heating system repair can be expensive ($200 to $2000) but still cheaper than installing a new furnace ($2000 to $10000). But in the long run, replacing your old heater may be more cost-effective.

How do you decide? Read on to find out.

Consider a Replacement

There are several reasons why installing a new, more energy efficient heater is the better option.

Your Heater Is Older Than Your Daughter in College

The average lifespan of furnaces is 15 to 20 years. Air conditioners and heat pumps only survive for 10 to 12 years. Of course, a number of factors influence the lifespan, including overuse and maintenance.

If your heating system is within those ranges a replacement is recommended in most cases. Technology has advanced in recent years and you can expect newer models to be more efficient. This will save you costs on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Older models also tend to be oversized which can contribute to inefficiency and spacing problems should you decide to renovate your home.

New heater models are also compatible with smart thermostats which can be controlled remotely from your smartphone. If you live in Arizona, you are eligible for a $75 rebate when you register an approved smart thermostat.

A Crack in the System

Cracks in your furnace pose a serious health risk. It means that carbon monoxide, a deadly poison gas, may be leaking. In this scenario, replacing the furnace is an easy decision that you should do post haste.

The 50% Rule

You are probably familiar with the 50% rule with regard to home appliances. If the repair cost approaches 50% of the current value of the appliance, it is time to replace.

We added another condition to this rule. If your furnace or heat pump is beyond 50% of its lifespan, and heating system repair costs equal or exceed 50% of the current value, we recommend installing a new one.

Consider Heating System Repair

If your heating system shows problems that don’t warrant a replacement as discussed above, we can still save your heater and save you money.

There are some things that you can do yourself if your heater is malfunctioning. First, check if your thermostat is on and set correctly. If it doesn’t turn on, replace the battery.

Then check your breaker and other electrical connections. A blown fuse is a common culprit.

The next thing to do is to check and clean the components. Do you have a clogged air filter that you need to replace? If you have a furnace, is the seal between the ducts and the furnace intact? Do the parts need lubrication?

If your heating system is still wonky after these basic troubleshooting steps, time to call a professional.

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If these tips still find you in need of the professionals, Hays is the go to leader in heating repair Phoenix, AZ!

Call us at (602) 714-8270 or email us to to schedule an appointment! It Pays To Call Hays!

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