One of the saddest (and most expensive) facts of life is that nothing lasts forever. Your heating system is no exception. While there are things you can do to maximize the lifespan of a furnace or heater, at some point, you’ll have to decide whether to keep putting money into repairing it or invest in a replacement instead.
How can you navigate that question? We’ve got some information for you. We’ll tell you about heating system lifespans, how to recognize when your system is failing, and what to do next.
How Long Heating Systems Last
The most common type of heating system in the US is the gas furnace. These are affordable at the outset, and natural gas tends to be a somewhat less expensive fuel than other options. The downside is that they rarely last much more than 15 years, and that’s assuming they get annual maintenance.
Furnaces also come in electric models, which are somewhat more costly than their gas counterparts. The cost to run them is also generally a bit higher, unless you have an alternate energy source like solar panels. But they do outlast gas furnaces, usually making it to 20 years or so with regular maintenance.
Boilers are another heating option. The up-front cost can vary widely, and they come in both gas and electric models. The real value here is that they can last longer than any other system—30 years with proper care!
Whatever heating system you have, the age needs to be a major consideration when you’re wondering whether to repair or replace it. As they reach the end of their life spans, no amount of money is going to keep them running for more than another year or two. What else should you consider?
1: Issues that Maintenance and Repair Can’t Resolve
Two of the things you’re most likely to notice with a heating system on its last legs are inefficiency and uneven heating. When your heating system was in its prime, these could be resolved with regular maintenance or at most occasional repair. If your bills are climbing or your home has hot spots despite doing your best by your heating system, it’s time for replacement.
2: Increasing Frequency of Repair Needs
Toward the end of a heating system’s life, more and more small issues will start to develop. Each of these might not require a very costly repair, but if the repairs are happening more frequently, those costs add up, and it will only get worse. If a heating system that used to go multiple years without a repair is now requiring multiple repairs a year, it’s time for replacement.
3: One Very Costly Repair Need
With an old furnace, just one repair might be too expensive to be worth it. How much is too much? One measure is that if the repair would cost the same as half of a new furnace or more, you should replace it instead. Another method multiplies the age of the furnace by the potential cost of the repair. If the result is over 5000, replacement is a better choice.
If you’re still not sure whether furnace repair in Clovis, CA or heating system replacement is what’s necessary, don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions.
We strive to provide honest answers and solutions to the problems our customers’ experience while remaining highly competitive in price, and offer the fastest turnaround you can find! Contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning to schedule service or sign up for Mr. Cool’s Super Saver Program.