As your furnace ages, repair needs may increase. You may face more frequent repairs, more expensive repairs, or both. But there comes a point when it doesn’t make sense to invest more money in repairs. Instead, it may be time for a furnace replacement in Sussex County, DE.
You can keep reading to learn more about the 50% rule we recommend you follow when it comes to deciding between repairing or replacing your furnace. If you can’t decide which way to go, our team is here to help. We can review all of your options with you and help you make the best decision for your family.
Furnace Repair Expenses
Experts estimate that you should never spend any more than 50% of the cost of replacing your furnace with a brand new unit on any repairs for your older model. As your furnace reaches the end of its lifespan, you may see an uptick in the number of repairs that you need to make.
Sometimes repairs are minor and fairly inexpensive. Less expensive repairs can be a great investment in extending the lifespan of your furnace a little longer. But if you start having to make frequent repairs, even inexpensive ones, or more involved and costly repairs, it may be time to replace your furnace instead of continuing to put Band-Aids on a larger problem.
The 50% rule helps you weigh whether or not it makes sense to invest in repairs or put that money instead toward a brand new furnace. If you are having to spend upwards of thousands of dollars on a series of repairs or any one single repair, the money you spend may not be worth the amount of life you will get out of your furnace.
Investing in a New Furnace
Instead, you can put that money toward a brand new furnace. Furnaces usually last for between 10 and 15 years before they need to be replaced. Most furnaces have a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the first 10 years of life. After that, repair costs are up to you.
The closer you get to the 15-year mark, the more likely it is that your furnace needs to be replaced. Spending thousands of dollars to get a couple of more years of life out of an older furnace may not be the best decision. Instead, you could go ahead and upgrade to a newer furnace that has better overall energy efficiency.
You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your furnace has a long lifespan ahead of it and a manufacturer’s warranty to cover any unexpected repairs for the first decade. Plus, if you invest in a high-efficiency model, you could even save on your monthly energy costs, which has the potential to offset some of that additional expense of upgrading.
At Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc., “We Take Pride in Your Comfort!” Call us for all your heating needs in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.