While most homeowners are aware that regular furnace repair is essential to home safety, many fail to realize that furnace maintenance can also save you hundreds or even thousands in energy costs each year. Here are the most common signs to look for in order to tell whether or not your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced.
Energy Bills
One of the first indicators that your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced is a spike in your energy bills. Compare your heating bills in recent months to those from past winters to see if there have been any significant changes. A gradual increase in heating bills often indicates that your furnace is growing less efficient with age and you should replace it soon. A sharp increase could indicate the need for a repair or a replacement.
Old Units
Any standing pilot unit built before 1992 should be replaced as soon as possible. These units are only 65-percent efficient and are guaranteed to result in costly repairs and increased energy bills. In some cases, you should replace an old unit that is still functioning if its warranty has expired. Certain parts such as the heat exchanger within a furnace are more expensive to repair than they are worth.
Maintenance Records
One of the best indicators that you should replace a furnace is how many times it has been repaired in the past. Furnace problems only get worse over time, so a unit that has required extensive repairs is likely cheaper to replace than it is to repair.
In some cases, the signs that a furnace needs to be replaced or repaired are too subtle to diagnose on your own. Working with the right heating contractor is the best way to learn about the repair options available for your furnace and to make an informed decision about a replacement. Contact Mastercraft Heating & Cooling today to receive an honest estimate and discuss your home heating options!
