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I’m going to start this article by letting you know that you will learn our recommendations for when to repair a furnace or replace it. Still, I want to provide a disclaimer that every person should weigh our recommendations based on their risk tolerance and personal finances.
Among others, the main variables we’re going to analyze are the furnace’s age, the cost of the repairs, and the time it might take to get the parts. Whether you choose to repair or replace your furnace, you should have at least two professional HVAC contractors give you their opinions on what to do.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Consider Getting a New Furnace?
The first thing you should always consider when deciding to repair or replace your furnace is its age, but keep in mind that age is relative to the amount you use it.
It’s like putting miles on a car. The hotter you keep the temperature setting in your house, the more miles you will put on your furnace.
With that said, the simple way to look at furnace age is that if your furnace is twelve years old or younger, you’ve changed your filter semi-regularly, and you haven’t driven it like it’s stolen, then your best bet is to repair it. Regular maintenance can go a long way in extending its life and keeping it running efficiently.
However, it’s also a good idea to think about the bigger picture. For instance, performing an energy audit of your home can help you understand your overall energy usage and efficiency. This can highlight how a new furnace might fit into a broader energy-saving strategy and where improvements like better insulation or sealing air leaks could ease the burden on your heating system.
Additionally, if you’re leaning towards replacement, don’t forget to look into available tax credits, rebates, or incentives for upgrading to a more energy-efficient furnace. These can significantly reduce the upfront cost and make investing in a new system more affordable, ultimately leading to long-term savings on your energy bills.
The Warning Signs That Furnace Replacement is Coming.
There are 7 main warning signs that it might be time to replace your furnace, including your old furnace is more than sixteen years old, your energy bills have been increasing, you hear strange noises, you need to adjust the thermostat more, and your furnace repair costs are increasing.
Warning Signs:
- Old furnace
- Strange noises
- Increasing energy bills
- The thermostat isn’t keeping up
- Frequent repairs
- Problems with the furnace burners
- Poor indoor air quality
1. Your HVAC System is 16-20 Years Old:
The national average for furnace ages is sixteen to twenty years old, so naturally, you might need to replace your furnace if yours is older than that.
With that said, I’ve seen gas furnaces over thirty years old that have a great heat exchanger and that I would still consider an efficient furnace.
❌ When to Repair: Only minor repairs are needed with a low monthly energy bill.
✅ When to Replace: It’s time to replace your furnace if costly repairs or frequent repairs are needed.
2. Your Old Furnace is Making Strange Noises
Is your furnace starting to sound like it’s auditioning for a horror movie? Whether it’s banging, squealing, rattling, or making other loud noises, these sounds are often more than just a minor annoyance—they’re signals that something might be wrong.
- Banging or Booming Sounds: A loud bang or boom from your furnace is usually due to delayed ignition, where gas builds up in the combustion chamber before igniting. This causes a small explosion, responsible for the noise. These explosions can stress the furnace’s internal components, particularly the heat exchanger, potentially leading to cracks and dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
- Squealing or Screeching: High-pitched squeals or screeches often point to problems with the blower motor or a worn-out belt. If the bearings are on their last legs or the fan isn’t aligned properly, you’ll hear these noises due to the friction.
- Scraping Noises: A scraping sound might be your blower wheel signaling that it’s loose, or the bearings might be worn out.
- Buzzing or Humming: A constant buzz or hum could indicate loose components or electrical issues, like a failing capacitor or a fan motor problem.
- Popping Noises: Popping noises are common when warm air hits cold ductwork, causing expansion. However, it could also point to more serious issues, like gas burner problems or sediment buildup.
- Whistling Sounds: If you’re hearing a whistling sound, it could be due to restricted airflow, often from a clogged air filter. Sometimes, a simple filter change can make the noise go away.
- Rattling: Rattling is usually caused by loose screws, bolts, or damaged components. While you might be able to spot and tighten loose parts yourself, it’s always good to check further to make sure there’s nothing more serious going on.
Note: if you need to replace your furnace, you should have proper maintenance performed yearly.
This will increase the typical lifespan of any HVAC system.
❌ When to Repair: Furnace repair is the way if the noises are caused by low-cost replacement parts.
✅ When to Replace: It’s time to replace your furnace if you have multiple different noises caused by a motor failure or a heat exchanger failure.
3. Your Furnace is Causing Increased Energy Bills
No one likes seeing those energy bills creep up, especially when you’re not sure why it’s happening. Keeping up with regular maintenance on your furnace is essential, not just to keep it running smoothly but also to keep those costs down.
But even with the best care, there are a few things that can cause your furnace to work overtime, and that’s when your bills start to rise.
- Inefficient Furnace: If your furnace is getting up there in age, say 15 years or more, it might not be as efficient as it used to be. Even if you’ve been good about maintenance, the wear and tear over the years can start to show. An older furnace has to use more energy to do the same job it used to do easily, and that’s when you start noticing higher bills.
- Unsecured Ductwork: If your ducts have gaps or leaks, a lot of the warm air your furnace is producing is escaping before it even gets to you. So, your furnace ends up working harder and longer, which means more energy use and more money out of your pocket.
- Poor Insulation: If your home isn’t keeping the heat in like it should, your furnace has to pick up the slack. Poor insulation in places like the attic, walls, or around windows and doors means that heat is escaping, and your furnace is working double-time to keep you comfortable.
- Thermostat Issues: Sometimes, the culprit is a thermostat that’s not doing its job right. If it’s not reading the temperature correctly, your furnace might be running more often than it needs to.
❌ When to Repair: If your heating bills are still low and furnace replacement isn’t in your budget.
✅ When to Replace: It’s time to replace your furnace if the repair bills are increasing as fast as your energy bills.
4. You’re Constantly Adjusting Your Thermostat to Feel More Comfortable.
If this is a new issue, then it’s most likely time to replace your furnace. If you’ve always had this issue, then a new furnace alone won’t solve the problem, as you most likely need to have your air distribution system (ductwork) inspected and re-designed.
If your furnace is over fifteen years old, you would still want to replace it, most likely with a furnace with a variable-speed ECM blower motor. These motors are better suited to handle improperly designed duct systems.
❌ When to Repair: If the repair cost to replace your blower motor or thermostat is less than 30% of the furnace replacement cost.
✅ When to Replace: It’s time to replace your furnace if it’s more than fifteen years old and you’ve always had a problem with air distribution.
5. Furnace Repairs are Needed Every Year
If you find yourself on a first-name basis with your HVAC technician, it might be time to start thinking about replacing your furnace. Frequent repairs are a strong indicator that your furnace is reaching the end of its useful life.
While an occasional fix is expected, especially for an older unit, constantly shelling out money for repairs isn’t just frustrating; it’s a sign that your furnace is no longer reliable.
As your furnace ages, the components start to wear out, leading to more frequent breakdowns. At first, it might just be a few small issues, like a worn-out belt or a faulty thermostat. But over time, these minor fixes can turn into major repairs, like replacing the heat exchanger or the blower motor. These parts are not only expensive but also a hassle to replace. And as your furnace continues to age, the likelihood of these costly repairs increases.
❌ When to Repair: Only minor repairs are needed, and the parts are readily available.
✅ When to Replace: It’s time to replace your furnace because parts become harder to find and more expensive as your natural gas furnace ages. Most furnaces need the majority of their repairs within the last two years of operation.
6. Your Natural Gas Furnace’s Burner Flame is Yellow Instead of Blue
Every natural gas furnace or propane furnace can run the risk of creating poisonous carbon monoxide.
A tell-tale sign of this is a yellow flame. Some other signs include:
- Streaks of soot around the furnace
- Excess moisture found throughout the house on cold surfaces
- Excessive rust on the furnace around the flue pipes
If you want to ensure your furnace isn’t emitting carbon monoxide in your flue gases, you’ll want to hire a professional HVAC technician to perform a combustion analysis. I recommend having this performed every year. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, and be sure to change the batteries every year.
Safety Note: The replacement cost of a furnace is one thing, but the cost of losing a loved one is incomprehensible.
Carbon monoxide is odorless, so keep an eye out for the below symptoms:
- frequents headaches
- irritated nose or eyes
- nausea
- disorientation
- flu-like symptoms
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should open some windows, leave the house, and immediately call a professional service technician or local safety authority. Your furnace will need to be replaced immediately in this case, so the chance to save money has passed.
❌ Repair or Replace: If you have unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in your flue gases or yellow flames and want to continue to heat your home safely, then call a few contractors to get quotes on a new high-efficiency furnace.
7. You Find the Air Dry or Dusty
An old furnace, even if it’s properly maintained, usually can’t adapt to effective humidifiers or air filtration and purification systems. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve bought a house that has an old furnace, and you’re finding the air in the home stale and stuffy, then a new furnace would give you the ability to add air quality accessories like the ones listed below:
- Steam Humidifiers
- Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems
- UV Light Air Cleaners
- Air Ionizers
- HEPA Filtration Systems
- Air Conditioners
- Heat Pumps
A lot of the products listed above can significantly improve the air quality in your home, which will not only improve how you sleep, breathe and feel but also reduce allergens, pollen, and airborne viruses.
If you would like to add any of the above accessories to your HVAC system, then it’s time to consider getting a new furnace.
Worried About the Fact That You Might Need a New Furnace?
Making a large purchase like a new furnace is a big deal for anyone, and it can be a stressful decision to pick a furnace contractor to ensure you don’t overspend.
Here are some questions to ask your contractor when getting quotes for a new furnace:
- How do you calculate the capacity of the furnace for my home? Remember that new furnaces are more efficient and don’t need to be the same size as the old ones.
- Do I need a single-stage, two-stage, or modulating furnace and what are the pros and cons of each? Obviously, the least expensive furnace to buy is the single-stage, but it’s also the most expensive to operate. So, see if you and your chosen contractor can determine which furnace would be the best investment.
- There are two furnace blower motors to choose from; multi-speed and variable speed. Which is right for my home, and what are the pros and cons?
- Aside from the furnace brand that a contractor reps, ask if they offer other brands that might help you save a few bucks.
- How much can newer furnaces save you on your utility bills?
- Are there any government or manufacturer rebates available for new furnaces?
- Do you have financing available for a new furnace?
At the end of the day, a newer furnace is expensive to buy, but it will help you reduce your monthly bills and improve your home’s air quality.
What to Keep in Mind Before Replacing Your Furnace
As we mentioned earlier, age is a key factor when deciding to replace your furnace, but aside from that, here are a few other things to consider:
Your Climate
Where you live plays a huge role in deciding what kind of furnace you need. Here are a few climate factors to think about:
- Average Heating Degree Days (HDD): This is a fancy way of saying how cold it usually gets where you live. The higher the HDD, the more powerful your furnace needs to be to keep your home cozy.
- Peak Heating Demand: This refers to the coldest temperature your area typically sees. Your furnace needs to be strong enough to handle these really cold days.
- Length of the Heating Season: The longer the winter, the harder your furnace has to work, which can affect both energy use and wear and tear on the system.
Home Size and Insulation
The size of your home and how well it’s insulated are big factors in determining the right furnace. Larger homes generally need more powerful furnaces, but good insulation can ease the load on your system by keeping the heat inside. This can lead to energy savings and a more comfortable living space.
Fuel Type
Think about what fuel types are available and affordable in your area, whether it’s natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. Each option has its own efficiency levels and environmental impact. For example, natural gas is often more efficient and cleaner than oil, but it’s not available everywhere. Choosing the right fuel type can make a difference in both your energy costs and your carbon footprint.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for a furnace, look for one with a high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. This will ensure you’re getting the most heat from your fuel. Energy Star-certified models are a good bet for top efficiency. While these units might cost more upfront, they can save you a lot on energy bills over time. Also, don’t forget to check for any rebates or incentives that could help lower the initial cost.
Cost and Additional Features
While the upfront cost of a new furnace and its installation are important, think about the long-term savings you could get from a more efficient system. Also, consider any additional features that might be worth the investment, like zoning systems that let you control the temperature in different parts of your home or smart thermostats that help you manage your energy use more effectively.
Cost Analysis: Repairing vs. Replacing Your Furnace
Costs of Repairing
At first glance, repairing your furnace might seem like the cheaper option. A small repair here and there could cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on what’s wrong. But those costs can quickly add up.
If you find yourself calling the repair technician multiple times a year, you might end up spending over $1,000 annually just to keep that old furnace running.
Furthermore, not only do those repair bills start piling up, but an old, inefficient furnace also uses more energy to keep your home warm.
That means higher energy bills month after month. And as your furnace gets older, it’s likely that those repair needs and the costs that come with them will only increase.
Cost of Replacing Your Furnace
Replacing your furnace does come with a higher upfront cost, no doubt about it. You should expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the model and installation fees.
But here’s the upside: it’s a one-time investment. New furnaces are much more energy-efficient, often running at 90% efficiency or higher. Compare that to older models, which might only manage 70-80% efficiency, and you’ll see that a new furnace can significantly lower your energy bills, sometimes by as much as 30%. Over time, those savings really add up.
Plus, many new furnaces come with warranties that cover major repairs for several years, giving you peace of mind and extra value for your investment.
Consider Upgrading to an Energy-Efficient Furnace
If you’ve got an older furnace that’s starting to give you trouble, it might be time to think about upgrading to an energy-efficient model. There are some great perks that come with it, and these include:
Saving on Energy Bills
One of the best things about an energy-efficient furnace is how much it can lower your energy bills. These newer models are all about doing more with less, so they use less fuel while still keeping your home nice and warm. Over time, those savings really start to add up, which is always a plus.
Helping the Environment
Upgrading your furnace is also a smart move if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint. These systems produce fewer emissions, which is better for the environment. It’s a simple switch that can make a big difference in doing your part to protect the planet.
Improving Home Comfort
Ever noticed how some rooms in your house never seem to get warm enough? An energy-efficient furnace can help with that. These systems are better at evenly spreading heat throughout your home.
Getting Long-Term Value
Sure, getting a new furnace is a bit of an investment, but it’s one that really pays off. Not only will you save on energy bills, but these furnaces tend to last longer and usually come with solid warranties. It’s peace of mind knowing you’ve got reliable warmth for years to come, without constantly worrying about breakdowns.
Do New Furnaces Improve The Value of Your Home?
A few large repairs in a home can make a potential homeowner cringe when you get your home inspection report, and furnaces are definitely included on that list. By installing a new heating system from a professional HVAC contractor, you’ll not only improve your home’s value, but your furnace will be installed safely and effectively.
Finally, whether you ended up needing to repair or replace your furnace, you should seriously consider hiring a professional HVAC contractor to perform annual furnace maintenance checks.
These checks will ensure many years of safe and comfortable operations without overpaying the utility company.
When to Call a Professional vs. DIY Furnace Maintenance
While there are some furnace maintenance tasks that you can handle on your own, certain situations definitely call for a professional. Knowing the difference can help you save time, money, and ensure your safety.
What You Can Do Yourself:
- Changing the Air Filter: This one’s easy but super important. Swapping out the air filter regularly, typically every 1-3 months, can make a big difference in how well your furnace runs.
- Checking the Thermostat: If your home isn’t warming up like it should, the issue could be the thermostat. So double-check the settings to make sure everything’s set correctly. Sometimes, it’s as simple as adjusting the mode or temperature.
- Clearing Vents and Ducts: Dust and debris can really mess with your furnace’s performance. Make sure your vents and ducts are clear so air can flow freely.
- Inspecting for Obvious Issues: Take a look around your furnace every now and then. If you notice anything off, like loose panels or rust spots, then it’s a sign you might need to take action.
When to Call in a Professional:
- Strange Noises or Smells: If your furnace starts making weird noises like banging, squealing, or rattling, or if you catch a whiff of something odd like gas or burning, it’s time to call in the pros. These could be signs of something serious that needs immediate attention.
- Yellow Burner Flame: Your furnace’s burner flame should be a steady blue. If it’s turned yellow, that could be a red flag for a carbon monoxide leak, which is a serious hazard. This is definitely a situation where you want to get a professional involved right away.
- Frequent Breakdowns: If your furnace seems to be on the fritz more often than not, despite regular maintenance, it might be time for a professional checkup. They can figure out what’s going on and let you know whether it’s worth repairing or if it’s time for a replacement.
- Electrical or Gas Line Issues: Anything involving your furnace’s electrical system or gas lines should be left to a licensed professional. These are complex and potentially dangerous areas where it’s best to have an expert handle things.
- Heat Exchanger Inspection: The heat exchanger is a critical part of your furnace. If it’s cracked, it can lead to dangerous gas leaks. Regular inspections by a professional can catch issues early and keep your furnace running safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Furnace Typically Last?
Most furnaces have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. However, this can vary depending on how well the furnace has been maintained and how frequently it’s used.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace?
Replacing a furnace isn’t cheap; expect to pay anywhere from $2,800 to over $10,000, depending on the type, size, and installation requirements. Higher efficiency models cost more upfront but can save you money on energy bills down the road. Get a few quotes from different contractors to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
When Is the Best Time to Replace My Furnace?
The best time to swap out your furnace is during the off-season, like in the spring or early fall. HVAC contractors aren’t as busy then, so you’re more likely to score a better deal and have more flexibility with scheduling. And, if you replace it before winter, you’ll be ready when the cold hits.
How Do I Know If I Need a New Furnace or Just a Repair?
If your furnace is constantly breaking down or causing your energy bills to go up, it might be time for a new one. But if the problem is minor and your furnace is still relatively new, a repair might do the trick. A good rule to follow: if repair costs are 50% or more of what a new furnace would cost, it’s best to replace it.
What Type of Furnace Should I Get?
The right furnace for your home depends on the size of your home, what the climate is like where you live, and your budget. High-efficiency furnaces are great for colder climates because they use less fuel to keep your home warm, which can save you a lot on energy bills. It’s always a good idea to chat with an HVAC pro to figure out which furnace is the best fit for you.
Final Thoughts: Repair or Replace Your Furnace?
Deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace comes down to its age, efficiency, and the frequency of required repairs. If your furnace is over 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or increases your energy bills, replacement is often the smarter long-term investment. However, if it’s a newer model with minor issues, a targeted repair might be all you need.
Still unsure? The pros at Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services can help you weigh your options with honest advice and expert service. Call us today for a trusted second opinion and keep your North Okanagan home warm and efficient all winter long.
