Cooler weather is becoming more and more of a possibility in Lincoln, which means one thing: it’s time to schedule your furnace service. However, it may not be that cut and dry if your system is beginning to get up there in age and has been causing issues over the last few years.
Furnace replacement is an investment in your home, like many other home improvement projects are. So how do you know if you should spring for that new furnace now or simply get your annual furnace service done?
At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we know that it can be a hard decision to make, so here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re not sure which way to choose.
1. Furnace Age
This is more than likely the biggest factor in to your decision, as furnace technology has improved quite a few things, from energy efficiency to the amount of noise it gives off. If your furnace is more than 12 years old, it may not make sense to put a lot of money in to repairs when you could be applying that money towards a new system.
However, the average 12-15 year lifecycle of a furnace doesn’t mean it can’t operate well beyond that. If furnace service has been scheduled regularly and it has been correctly maintained, you could be able to go beyond that 12-15 year average.
2. Cost of replacing vs. servicing/repairing
There are always variables when it comes to figuring out the cost of replacing versus having furnace service and repairs done, but there are a couple things to keep in mind when assessing the two.
Furnace service
- Get multiple estimates to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Keep track of when your warranty is up and note what it covers so you’re always saving as much as possible.
Furnace replacement
- Furnace size will be figured out by the size of your home.
- Cost will fluctuate depending on the level of energy efficiency you’re wanting.
- The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the chance for energy savings.
After you determine the costs of both options, keep this helpful tip in mind: if your furnace service and repair is going to cost 1/3 or more of the cost of a new furnace and your system is between 12-15 years old, furnace replacement may be the better long-term choice.
Of course, these are only a few of the variables, but the team at AW Heating & Air Conditioning are more than happy to help you choose which furnace is right when replacement becomes imminent. Give us a call at 402-438-7992 to find out what makes sense for both you and your budget.