Cooler weather is becoming more and more of a possibility in West Columbia, which means one thing: it’s time to set up your furnace service. However, it may not be that straightforward if your system is starting to get up there in age and has been causing problems over the last few years.
Furnace replacement is an investment in your home, like most other home improvement projects are. So how do you know if you should get that new furnace now or simply get your annual furnace service handled?
At Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc., we know that it can be a tough decision to make, so here are a few pointers 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 equipment 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 lifetime of a furnace doesn’t mean it can’t work well beyond that. If furnace service has been routine 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 number of things to keep in mind when assessing the two.
Furnace service
- Get multiple estimates to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Keep track of when your warranty expires and note what it contains so you’re always saving as much as possible.
Furnace replacement
- Furnace size will be determined by the size of your home.
- Cost will fluctuate depending on the level of energy efficiency you’re looking for.
- The higher the AFUE rating, the greater the chance for energy savings.
After you figure out the costs of both routes, 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 option.
Of course, these are only a small number of the variables, but the team at Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. are more than happy to help you determine which furnace is right when replacement becomes necessary. Give us a call at 803-265-4208 to find out what makes sense for both you and your budget.