Furnace Repair

Well, since you're on this page, it probably means that your furnace suddenly stopped working, and you're not sure what to do next.

Should I repair it or install a new one?

According to several different sources, the average life of a furnace seems to be around 15 years. This will of course vary from unit to unit. ( I just replaced one that was 26 years old! ).

Generally, it makes more sense to install a new unit, but here are some situations to think about:

• Unit is relatively new - Most newer units will still be under warranty, and it will definitely make sense to repair rather than replace. Some manufacturers warranty their parts for up to 10 years, but you will still have to pay for labor.
• Small problems - sometimes, only an inexpensive part fails and the repair can be inexpensive. For a few hundred dollars you might be able to get your furnace up and running for many more years.
• Older models - for many older models, even if the repair would only cost in the $500 range, it may make sense to simply replace the unit. Once a unit is in the 15yr+ range, you're probably throwing money away.

Other considerations

How did the unit fail? If it is an older unit and the parts were corroded from bad weather, it is very possible that other parts will fail soon as well.

Don't forget about energy savings

Newer units are considerably more efficient than older units. By replacing rather than repairing, you also get the added benefit of lower utility bills. You could save 20-30% depending on how efficient of a model you go with.