Questions You Need to Ask Before a Furnace Job

When deciding if you need to have your furnace repaired or jump into buying a new one, some things need to be taken into consideration. You don’t want to act without researching first, because if you do, chances are you’ll end up regretting your choice. Before you make a decision, HVAC replacement experts share some FAQs (frequently asked questions) you should ask yourself if you want to get your furnace repaired or replaced.

Q: How Do I Determine if My Furnace Is Broken?

A broken furnace will turn on and off, prompting warmed air to flow unevenly or inconsistently. This could be indicative of a damaged blower or an obstructed filter in the furnace. If you don’t sense any heated air flowing or you notice strange odors emanating from your heater vents, these are surefire signs of a damaged or faulty furnace. To be more certain about the condition of your furnace, try to seek the help of HVAC professionals.

Q: How Do I Know if I Should Get My Furnace Repaired? 

Repairs are going to happen most of the time, and when it comes to a furnace, it’s just a matter of making a service call. Like an old car or washing machine, you measure the cost of repairs versus the cost of a replacement. This line isn’t always clear, however, and you don’t always know which way to swing.

This is the reason why you’ll need to seek the counsel of HVAC repair professionals. After a proper diagnosis, they can advise you on which course of action would be better and let you make the final decision.

Q: When Should the Furnace Be Replaced?

Furnaces are rather durable appliances, and just because one is old doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dangerous to keep running. If you’re thinking about replacing a working furnace just to increase energy efficiency, take a look at this example.

A 50-year-old furnace should have about 70% operating efficiency, which means 70% of the fuel that’s burned, whether it’s gas or oil,will be turned into heat for the structure which will cost about $850 per year. With a 95% efficiency furnace, that same bill would be $552.

But, how long would it take to pay off a new furnace just with the energy savings? A new furnace generally costs $4000, and it would take about seven years to pay for, which is quite a long payback. Instead, why not consult an air conditioning repair technician and get an assessment of your furnace? It’s often more practical to replace the heat exchanger rather than the entire furnace.

Reach out to Stone Heating and Air for professional duct and air conditioning repair services. Give us a call at (541) 855-5521 or fill out our contact form to set up a consultation.