For most heating systems in the Greater Las Vegas Valley, furnaces are an essential component. It can be tough to decide if you should invest in repairs or a replacement furnace when the furnace starts to display symptoms of failing. If some repairs can buy them a few more years, most prefer to wait out a furnace replacement due to the expense, generally. This tactic can be a waste of your hard-earned dollars, unfortunately. With all this in mind, we at Hal Mechanical would like to discuss furnace repair versus furnace replacement services.
How Old is Too Old for a Furnace?
Below, we prepared simple guidelines below to help homeowners make a more informative choice and ultimately, decide if a replacement or repairs are in order. The age of the current furnace needs to be taken into account. Being contingent on the quality of the model and manufacturing year, as well as the diligence in maintenance and care, the furnaces tend to last anywhere from 15-20 years. The break downs and insufficient performance naturally increases when the furnace approaches the end of its life. It is generally safe to opt for repairs for furnaces under the age of 10 years. If it is over ten years old and continually needs repairs for two seasons in a row, it is better to replace the furnace.
Furnace Energy Efficiency
With the supply and demand along with changes in weather patterns from year to year, it is generally expected that heating costs will fluctuate. When the abnormal spikes month to month coincide with the use of the furnace, there may be underlying issues, however. The internal parts become worn as the furnace ages. Just remember the age factor since furnaces under ten years can safely be repaired, and anything older should be further analyzed especially if you need repairs often over 2 years should be considered replacing.
Furnace Repair Costs
Repair costs are more than 50% of the total price of a replacement. As recommended by specialists, when the repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a replacement, it is in your better interest to replace the furnace. Furnaces that have operated through over 75% of their lifespan should need repairs of 1/3rd of a replacement cost, the replacement is your better option. Usually, repairs are more extensive if the furnaces are older than 15 years.
Presence of Carbon Monoxide
It can be potentially fatal with long-term exposure to carbon monoxide. The colorless, tasteless, and odorless toxic gas can be detected with the placement of carbon monoxide detectors. When its combustion chamber is cracked, the furnace produces the carbon monoxide often, which is irreparable. Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure can cause the subject to experience the following symptoms and issues:
– The burner flame is normally blue on the furnace shifts to yellow
– An inactive chimney’s upward draft.
– Surrounding the furnace there is soot streaks
– Extra moisture buildup is visible on walls, windows, and others such surfaces
– Rusted pipes
– Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, disorientation, and other symptoms develop
Forced Air Furnace Heating Repairs, Replacements & More in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
In addition to maintenance services, Hal Mechanical provides furnace repair and replacement services. Call us to get started when you need furnace services.
