If your furnace is showing signs of wear and tear or isn’t heating your home properly, it’s time to take action. It can be difficult to know whether to replace or repair a furnace, especially as it gets older. However, if you know what to look for, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision when the time comes.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, our expert HVAC technicians are ready to help. We’ll do everything from teaching you to read the error code on your furnace to repairing or replacing the furnace for you. We take pride in our ability to diagnose and fix problems fast, with high-quality work you can count on. We’ll inspect your HVAC system and give you our expert diagnosis and recommendations.
How To Determine if You Should Repair or Replace Your Furnace
How do you know whether to repair or replace an old furnace? It depends on what’s wrong with it, how much it’ll cost to fix it, and the furnace’s age. If the problem is expensive to repair and your furnace is 20 years old, you’re better off replacing the entire unit with a new and efficient model. On the other hand, if the furnace has been well maintained and the issues aren’t too costly, repairing it is likely the better bet.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but our HVAC technicians can help you make an informed decision. If your heater isn’t keeping you comfortable, schedule a no-pressure service call to go over your options. We’ll give you an honest opinion without pushing unnecessary work or upselling you on something you don’t need. Our local experts offer transparent pricing and easy financing options, and they’ll answer all your questions ahead of time so you know what to expect.
Signs It's Time to Repair Your Furnace
There are a few common signs that every homeowner should know that signal your furnace needs repair.
Uneven heating
If some rooms are much cooler than others and your furniture isn’t covering the ducts, you might have a thermostat issue, a dirty air filter, or an incorrectly sized heater. Contact Ricky Heath, and our professional HVAC repair team will use their years of experience to figure out the issue so your entire home is comfortable again, without cold spots and uneven heat.
Pilot light and ignition problems
If the furnace doesn’t ignite properly or the pilot light goes out often, you may have gas supply problems, a faulty flame sensor or thermocouple, or an accumulation of grime. There are several potentially simple fixes, or it may be a larger issue. Call us for a thorough diagnosis, and we’ll make sure your furnace runs safely and efficiently.
Thermostat issues
A malfunctioning thermostat may be caused by improper placement, setting issues, dirty sensors, battery problems, faulty electrical connections, or a variety of other causes. Our team is experienced with all types of thermostats, including modern smart-home integrated models, and can diagnose the problem.
Strange noises
Whistling, banging, rattling, or humming are all signs something is wrong with your furnace. Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue. If you hear strange sounds, we’ll get to the bottom of it quickly.
If you’ve tried troubleshooting the issues on your own, changed the filters, checked the gas supply, tested the thermostat, and made sure there’s power to the furnace, but it’s still not working right, it’s time for expert help. A Ricky Heath technician will find the source of the issue, fixing the root cause so you can enjoy a comfortable home again in no time.
When To Replace a Furnace: Key Signs To Look For
How do you know when to replace a furnace? Some key signs it may be time for an upgrade include:
- Your power bills increase when the heat’s running
- There’s inconsistent heating in your home, even after routine maintenance
- Your heater is over 15 to 20 years old
- Your heater isn’t the right size for your home
- The cost and frequency of repairs are causing you stress
Repairing vs. Replacing: Cost Breakdown
Minor furnace repairs may cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while major repairs can be in the thousands. If you’ve got an older, low-efficiency furnace and need a major repair job, it may be less costly in the long run to have a new, energy-efficient furnace installed. A furnace upgrade might have a big initial price tag, but the amount of money (and stress) you’ll save over the next decade is well worth the investment.
How To Extend the Life of Your Current Furnace
The best way to extend your furnace’s life is to keep it well-maintained by doing the following:
- Change the air filters regularly (see manufacturer recommendations, as each type of filter is different).
- Check for signs of leaks, wear, or damage.
- Schedule repairs as quickly as possible when things go wrong to avoid further damage.
- Schedule regular tune-ups with a local HVAC expert.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we recommend having your furnace tuned up at least once a year, preferably in the early fall months. We can fix smaller issues before they become big problems, and your system will be clean, lubricated, and ready for another winter season.
Join Ricky’s Comfort Club for maintenance services, including a full system analysis and safety check, preferential pricing, priority service scheduling, waived dispatch and after-hours fees, and access to our member-only phone number.
Contact Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Today
Our local HVAC experts will make it easy for you to repair or replace your furnace and enjoy a warm and cozy house all winter long. Contact us today to book a service appointment. We’re available throughout many Georgia communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do furnaces typically last?
On average, a furnace lasts 15 to 20 years, but service life depends on the type of furnace and how well you take care of it. Scheduling regular maintenance helps extend the life of your home heating system and keep your furnace running efficiently, which lowers energy bills.
What is the average cost to replace a furnace?
A new furnace costs from $2,500 to $8,000, but the price depends on the furnace size, the type of furnace, its energy efficiency rating, and the complexity of the installation. If you have a budget, let us know! We can help you find a furnace within your price range or set up a financing plan that works for you.
What are the signs my furnace is nearing the end of its life?
Some common signs it’s time to look into a new furnace include rattling, screeching, or popping noises, uneven heating, higher-than-average heating bills, or frequent repairs. While some of these symptoms have easy fixes, sometimes they’re signs of a more insidious issue. Call Ricky Heath for an expert diagnosis and recommendations you can trust.
