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Should You Repair Or Replace Your Home Heating Furnace?

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If you own a home, you will likely need to repair or replace your HVAC unit or some components from time to time. Heating furnaces suffer hitches during their lifetime. With the implementation of a few fixes, you can hold onto your furnace for a long time. A time comes when the most viable solution is a replacement. Read on to find out whether your furnace requires a repair or replacement.

Factors for Furnace Repair

Minor heating hitches require repairs and not replacements. Below are scenarios where a repair makes more economic sense for your furnace.

Broken Thermostat

Sometimes, your residential heating system doesn't cool or heat your house. The issue could be a broken thermostat and not furnace problems. Your thermostat also has batteries that you need to change from time to time. Any thermostat issues call for repair and not a new furnace installation.

Rapid Cycles

Rapid cycles mean your furnace turns on and off too quickly. The problem could happen because your filters need a replacement. Replace the filter, but call an expert for an inspection if that doesn't solve the problem.

Strange Noises

Unexpected noises that get louder with time signify one of many problems. Weird noises could result from an unbalanced motor, unsecured ductwork, motor failure, etc. You may not accurately tell the problem, so you need to call a home heating expert.

Factors for Furnace Replacement

Major repairs address problems that limit or completely hinder your unit's performance. The feasible solution for most of these problems is to replace your furnace.

Carbon Monoxide Emission

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that causes various health effects and death in severe cases. You can't smell or see a carbon monoxide leakage. However, you can tell from the signs listed below.

  • Yellow instead of blue flames in your furnaces

  • Excess moisture on house surfaces, e.g., walls and windows

  • Streaks or patches of soot around the furnace

A carbon monoxide emission is a call for immediate replacement. Before calling a heating technician, evacuate your property and contact the fire department.

Old Age

Timely repairs keep your furnace in good shape and maintain efficiency. Even a pristine maintenance schedule doesn't make your furnace last forever. The lifespan of a well-maintained heating furnace is 10-20 years. If your unit is more than 20 years old, furnace repairs may not suffice.

Costly Furnace Repairs

When you have to repair your furnace now and then, the repair costs may exceed the replacement cost. You don't need to use a lot of money on a heating unit that has likely lost efficiency due to the wear of many parts. So, it's time to say goodbye to your old furnace. 

Conclusion

Your heating unit has different components that require expertise for diagnosis, repairs, and replacements. A serious mistake could jeopardize your furnace's efficiency. So, whether you need furnace repairs or replacements, you should always contact a heating professional.


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