Signs of Furnace or Boiler Replacement

As your furnace or boiler ages, you will begin to see signs of wear when the system needs to be replaced. Rather than spend money for repeated repairs, at some point, you must replace the system. Though a heating system replacement carries significant cost, you will save money in the long run in reduced energy bills and fewer repair charges.

When to Replace

Some of the signs that you should consider replacing your furnace or boiler include:

Increased Frequency of Costly Repairs

As your heating system approaches the end of its life, more likely you will be to experience a furnace breakdown or boiler breakdown. The older the system, the more likely that repairs will be required to keep the unit functioning. So, how do you know when to repair vs replace? A standard rule of thumb states that if the repair exceeds 50 percent of the cost of a new system, you should replace the unit.

Increased Energy Costs

If you have noticed a marked increase in energy costs to heat your home over the past few seasons, chances are your heating system should be replaced. Newer systems are much more energy efficient than those manufactured even 10 years ago. Replace your unit with an energy efficient heating installation to save money for years to come.

Age of System

Even if your system has not yet required an expensive repair, if the unit is over 15 years old, consider replacing the furnace or boiler with a newer, energy efficient model. You can cut your energy costs and avoid spending money on repairs as the system ages.

When to Repair

If your heating system is under 10 years old, and the unit is still relatively energy efficient, you must weigh the costs of the repair against the cost of replacing the system. When minor repair needs are caught early, repair costs are generally worth the investment. For larger repairs, calculate the ratio of the cost of the repair to the cost of a replacement. If the repair cost exceeds 50 percent of the cost of a new system, and if your budget allows, it’s a good idea to replace the heating system. When your system needs frequent repairs just to keep running, you know it’s time to replace the unit.

To minimize the frequency of repairs needed as your system ages, be sure to schedule an annual tune-up for your furnace or boiler. An experienced HVAC technician can identify potential system failures so you can head them off before a small problem becomes a large, expensive one.

Turn to the Experts

Whether you are in the market for repair to keep your existing system up and running, or you need a complete HVAC equipment installation, Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We are a Carrier factory authorized dealer and our NATE-certified technicians are experienced with repairs and maintenance for all brands and models of equipment. We serve commercial and residential customers in the greater Alexandria, VA, area with 24 hour emergency repair services for furnaces, boilers and air conditioning systems. Call us today!