Your Furnace: Do You Need to Repair It or Replace It?

The weather is cold, and you need your heating system to keep up. If yours is giving you problems, this is no time to ignore the issue. You’re probably wondering whether your system requires repairs or needs to be replaced. Fortunately, there are guidelines that can help. Whatever the issue, however, if you’re having a problem with your furnace, call an experienced St. Cloud heating professional today.

Is It Repairable?

If your furnace isn’t keeping up with the cold – or is otherwise giving you problems – you need a heating professional. Generally, professional diagnosis will provide you with an exact analysis of the problem, and the necessary repairs can be made. If your furnace or heating system is fewer than 10 years old, it’s very likely that repairs are in order. A good rule of thumb is that – If the estimated repair expense is less than a third of the cost of replacing the unit and the furnace isn’t much older than about ten years – moving forward with repairs is likely the most cost-effective option.

The Life Expectancy of Your Heating System

When it comes to the lifespan of your heating system, there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. The National Association of Home Builders coupled with Bank of America produced a 2007 study, which determined that forced-air furnaces are expected to last an average of 15 to 20 years and that boilers used for hot-water baseboards and radiators are expected to last an average of 13 to 21 years. This does not, however, mean that your furnace or radiator can’t last much longer than these average lifespans. If you’re beginning to experience problems with your heating system, however, and the unit is getting close to its average expected lifespan, this should probably help tip the scales toward purchasing a new heating system.

Troublesome Units

If your heating system is beginning to need repairs more and more often, it’s time to give the matter some serious consideration. Repairs can be costly, and they definitely add up quickly. To make matters worse, you’ve got a heating system that you can’t rely on, and if there’s one thing you need during a Minnesota winter, it’s a heating system upon which you can rely. Further, if your furnace isn’t running optimally, it’s almost certainly costing you more in terms of energy expense. Finally, if your system is edging past the 15-year mark, you could very well be wasting your hard earned money on an endless cycle of repairs. Modern heating systems are so efficient that you’ll immediately begin to see lower energy bills, and a new heating system will eliminate costly repairs for years into the future.

Ultimately, a new heating system will provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have a reliable, energy-efficient, and safe means of heating your home or office throughout the hardest of Minnesota winters.

Replacing Your Furnace

If it’s time to replace your furnace, it’s a financial commitment, but it’s a financial commitment with plenty of benefits. New heating systems have a lot to offer, including vastly improved energy efficiency that can save you hundreds of dollars throughout the winter season. Additionally, a modern unit will help filter and clean the air that circulates throughout your home or office. This improved indoor air-quality can go a long way toward keeping your family healthier throughout the cold winter months. This is especially helpful for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma.

The Cost of Heating Your Home

The Department of Energy reports that the highest energy expense in most homes comes from keeping them heated and that this generally represents about 45 percent of a household’s total energy costs. The Department of Energy encourages homeowners to install and use programmable thermostats that keep homes at lower temperature when their occupants are gone or are sleeping. Most people sleep better in cooler rooms, so this practice can lead to bonus benefits – in addition to the 10 percent you can save annually on your heating and cooling costs.

An Experienced St. Cloud Heating Professional Will Help You Determine Whether Your Heating System Needs to be Repaired of Replaced

Minnesota winters are long and hard, and you need a heating system that is in good working order. At Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in St. Cloud, our dedicated heating professionals are committed to keeping your heating system running efficiently. We’ve been proudly serving St. Cloud residents for more than 70 years, and we’re here for you 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. To schedule service or for more information, please contact or call us at 800-570-4328 today.

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