1. How Old Is Your Heating System?
The lifespan of your heating system will vary based on the make, model, and the conditions it’s been operated under. For example, if you have two identical heating systems but one is run twice as long every year as the other, it will be unlikely to last the same number of years before you need a new furnace or HVAC replacement.
According to ENERGY STAR, a program run by both the EPA and DOE, homes with furnaces and boilers that are over 15 years old can see a significant reduction in energy costs by upgrading to a more efficient heating replacement model—as much as 15%!
2. How Much Will Your Heating System Cost to Fix?
Getting an estimate on the cost to fix your heating system can help determine whether you’d be better off replacing it. A general guideline is that if the cost of heating repair is more than 50% of the cost to replace, it’s better to buy a new system. But that can change with the age of the unit. If your unit is right on the verge of being obsolete in age, you’d be wise to more heavily weigh the cost of repairs against the likelihood that you’ll be facing a system replacement in the near future anyways.
3. How Important Is Home Comfort to You?
The older and less efficient a heating system is, the lower your home comfort is likely to be. You may notice this in temperature inconsistencies in your home, as many older or improperly-functioning furnaces and boilers will struggle to heat your entire house. This could be the result of dirty filters, a broken or inaccurate thermostat, low fluid levels, ductwork problems, or motor damage. Heating repair may be able to fix the issues, but at what cost (see #2)?
4. How Important Is the Safety of Your HVAC System?
Most homeowners would likely agree that if the condition of their heating system is causing safety issues in their home, that’s reason to schedule HVAC repair or to replace the system entirely right away. If you have a cracked heat exchanger, you could be leaking carbon monoxide into your breathing air, a serious health hazard.
Central home heating systems should also be working to properly ventilate your home. If you’re noticing allergy-like symptoms indoors, there could be dust or mold build up in your ductwork that your old HVAC system isn’t powerful enough to remove. For healthier indoor air quality, furnace replacement is a great option to consider.
5. Do You Want to Lower Your Monthly Energy Bills?
The final question is easy, right? Who wouldn’t want to save money every month on their utility costs?
If you’re able to service your existing heating system so that it significantly improves its efficiency without costing an arm and a leg, furnace or boiler repair could be a good option. But if your system is old, or if more repairs (and more cost) are likely in the future, upgrading to a new boiler, furnace—or ultra efficient mini-split heat pumps—can cut your monthly heating costs drastically for years and years to come.
Should You Only Replace One Part of Your HVAC System?
If your heating system does need to be replaced, it usually makes the most sense to replace your air conditioning unit at the same time! A matching system will operate most efficiently, and while many contractors cut corners by just replacing a single component, Ideal Air’s whole home HVAC systems will last you for decades to come, with high efficiency operation and reduced energy costs year-round.
Central Arizona’s Award-Winning HVAC Contractor
Still having trouble deciding between repairing and replacing your heating? That’s what Ideal Energy is here for. As a full-service home energy efficiency and HVAC company serving the greater Phoenix, AZ metro area, we are your local heating and air conditioning experts, and can walk you through the options as well as give you our professional opinion on the best path forward for your Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler home.