Should I Repair or Replace My Heating System?
So your heating system is on the older end of the lifespan spectrum and is in need of a major repair(s). Does it make sense to repair it or should you bite the bullet and replace the entire thing? Well, it all depends on your specific heating system and its current condition.
How Old is Your Current Heating System?
Depending on the type of heating system you have and the level of maintenance you provide it, the longevity of everyone’s heating system will vary. The average heating system will last an average of:
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15 to 20 Years: Furnaces for forced air systems
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13 to 21 Years: Boilers for hot-water radiators and baseboards
When you figure out the age of your heating system, don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions. One that is well-maintained with the proper annual tune-ups, repairs, and routine maintenance will far outlive a heating system that receives the bare minimum. So if yours is as old as the average lifespan age, call in a professional to assess its efficiency.
What Are The Costs of Each?
One of the biggest factors that will affect a homeowner’s decision of whether to repair or to replace is going to be what the best price is. However, rather than looking at the immediate price, it’s more important to look at the long-term cost of each choice.
More often than not, a repair is going to be a lot cheaper than the total replacement of a unit. Although, if you have an older heating system that is constantly breaking down and needing repairs, those bills can add up to cost even more than a replacement. The energy efficiency savings on future energy bills should also be factored in when considering a new heating system.
As a general rule of thumb, if a heating system is at three quarters of its life expectancy and is experiencing issues where constant repairs are needed — replacement is the most cost-effective decision.
When you have an older heating system and the heat turns off on you, you have to make a pretty big decision on what to do next. When you need the help of a professional HVAC technician to help you diagnose the problem and offer the best solutions possible, we would love to help you out!
