Has your furnace been keeping up with you this winter? If not, it may be time to think about saying goodbye…or at least time to get in touch with an HVAC expert to assess the situation. You should think about the possibility of replacement, repairs, or tune-ups if:
Your furnace is 15 years or older
Although age may just be a number to some, we generally say a furnace approaching 15 years in age is heading into its golden days in terms of efficiency and safety. Most furnaces last between 15 and 25 years, but older furnaces tend to be less efficient and more costly to maintain. While your furnace may last up to 20 (or even 30) years with routine maintenance, proper care can extend your furnace’s life, but it’s generally a sound investment for your wallet and health to think about upgrading around the 15 year mark. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time, take a look at when to replace your furnace to help make an informed decision.
You have increasing utility bills and frequent repair costs
Your older system will have to work harder to heat your house, meaning more money spent to achieve the same heat levels month after month. And chances are, it will also need costly repairs more frequently as it reaches its retirement age. Replacing a furnace can often be more cost-effective than paying for ongoing furnace repair on older furnaces, especially as repair costs add up. Upgrading to a new system can save money on both energy bills and repairs. Furnace replacements are a common solution for outdated or inefficient heating systems. If you’re debating repair versus replacement, check out why furnace replacement is a good choice to see how upgrading now could save you money in the long run.
As a general rule for furnaces of any age, if the price of repair is 50% the cost of a new system, it’s time to replace. With an older system (15-20 years), if the cost of repair is under 10% the cost of a new system, you may want to wait on replacing your furnace. Timely furnace repair is important to avoid extensive damage, but hiring the wrong contractor for installation or repair can lead to costly issues and shorten your system’s lifespan.
Your furnace is talkative
Is your furnace trying to tell you something? A little noise is normal, but any rattling, humming, screeching, popping or other noises that are interfering with your everyday life may be signs of a sick or dying furnace. If you’re noticing these signs, it might be time to consider how much you could save by upgrading to a newer, more efficient system. New furnaces offer improved features such as variable speed blowers, better heat exchangers, and enhanced indoor air quality. Natural gas and oil furnaces have additional internal components compared to electric furnaces, making them pricier options. Oil furnaces usually have higher ongoing maintenance costs compared to electric and gas furnaces. Choosing the right heating systems and furnace types, including options like oil furnaces, new gas furnace models, and high efficiency models, can provide long term savings, especially in a cold climate. When considering furnace replacement cost, remember to factor in fuel type, furnace size (measured in British thermal units), installation cost, and average costs for your area. Oil furnace replacement or conversion is also an option if you’re moving away from oil furnaces, which often require more maintenance and can cost significantly more to operate. Wondering how much does a furnace cost? Furnace cost varies widely based on features, efficiency, and installation. Furnace replacement costs typically include labor, materials, and permits. Carrier furnaces are an example of quality products to consider. Modern systems can integrate with your hvac system, cooling system, and air conditioner for comprehensive air conditioning and home comfort. Upgrading can also provide heated air more efficiently and may qualify you for tax credits.
Introduction to Furnace Replacement
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills in check, understanding the ins and outs of furnace replacement is essential. The cost to replace a furnace can vary widely, with the average price ranging from $3,800 to $10,000. However, the cost of a new furnace, including installation, can range between $1,600 and $10,000. The national average cost for replacing a gas furnace in the U.S. is about $7,000. This total cost depends on several factors, including the type of furnace you choose, its size, energy efficiency, and the complexity of the installation. Whether you’re considering a high efficiency gas furnace, an electric furnace, or exploring heat pumps, each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.
One of the most important factors to consider is the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. High efficiency furnaces with AFUE ratings of 90% or higher can significantly reduce your heating bills and provide long-term energy savings. Modulating furnaces adjust their heating output based on demand, enhancing efficiency and comfort. While the upfront cost of a new furnace may seem substantial, investing in an energy efficient furnace can be a worthwhile investment, offering lower energy bills and fewer frequent repairs over the life of your heating system. Higher efficiency furnaces, typically with AFUE ratings of 90% or higher, cost more upfront but can save money over time on energy bills.
Choosing the right furnace type for your home involves more than just comparing furnace costs. You’ll want to think about the size of your living space, the climate in your area, especially if you live in colder climates, and your overall budget. There are three main types of furnaces: electric, gas, and oil. Natural gas furnaces are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their balance of efficiency and cost effectiveness, but electric furnaces and heat pumps are also excellent options, particularly in regions with milder winters or where natural gas isn’t available.
Professional installation by a qualified HVAC contractor is crucial to ensure your new heating system operates safely and efficiently. Installing a furnace can take multiple hours and requires professional knowledge. Improper installation can lead to safety risks, inefficiency, and can void warranties. An experienced contractor can help you select the best furnace makes and models for your needs, advise on any necessary ductwork modifications, and provide guidance on maximizing your furnace’s life through regular furnace maintenance. Don’t forget to factor in labor costs, installation costs, and any required permits or inspections when budgeting for your new furnace installation.
Ultimately, replacing an old furnace with a new, energy efficient model can be a cost effective way to improve your home’s comfort, reduce expensive repairs, and lower your energy bills. By carefully considering the type of furnace, its efficiency rating, and ensuring professional installation and maintenance, you’ll enjoy reliable warmth and peace of mind for years to come.
Other signs of furnace efficiency to keep in mind:
- You notice excessive dust, dirt, or other air-borne particles in your home
- You spot rust on your system or on its components
- Your home has humidity problems
If you think something is off with your furnace, it may be time to get in touch with our team of HVAC experts here at Barron. With our goal of providing our customers with quality and reliable heating repair and maintenance, we’re not comfortable until you are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When should I start considering replacing my furnace?
Answer: You should consider replacing your furnace once it’s over 15 years old, as efficiency and reliability typically decline around this age. If it’s hitting 20 years or frequently breaking down, it’s even more urgent to plan an upgrade.
Question: What are common signs indicating my furnace needs replacement?
Answer: Watch for frequent repairs costing over 50% of a new furnace, rising energy bills, unusual noises (like banging or rattling), uneven heating, visible rust or dust buildup, yellow burner flame, and humidity issues—these all suggest an aging, inefficient system.
Question: How do I decide between repairing or replacing my furnace?
Answer: Use the “50% rule”: if a repair costs more than half the price of a new furnace, replacement is usually more cost-effective. If your furnace is also older than 15 years or shows multiple failure signs, replacement is often the smarter choice.
Question: What safety concerns come with an old furnace?
Answer: Old furnaces may develop rust or cracks that cause carbon monoxide leaks, yellow pilot flames indicating combustion issues, or overheated blower motors—these all pose safety risks and make replacement advisable as soon as problems appear.
Question: What are the benefits of installing a new furnace?
Answer: A modern furnace improves energy efficiency (lowering your bills), provides more consistent heating, reduces repair costs, enhances indoor air quality, and includes safety improvements like sealed combustion and better heat exchange.