Furnace Replacement: Key Factors to Consider Before Repairing or Replacing Your HVAC System

Since a home is the largest investment that most American families make, homeowners are keenly interested in maintaining their homes and keeping them in good repair. This ensures property values remain high, but more importantly, it keeps the whole family safe, healthy, and satisfied.

Conversely, homeowners are not apt to make changes until health, comfort, and satisfaction are jeopardized; this is especially true of large building systems, such as the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. That leaves homeowners walking a fine line between keeping older, weak systems repaired and opting for replacing the system entirely. At some point, the cost of repairing the system is no longer a financially viable option; replacement is the preferred option.

So, what should make the difference?

Age

Here is a rather odd fact. The average lifespan for air conditioners is 15 to 20 years, but the average lifespan for furnaces is about 20 years. This is odd since the two systems are combined and replaced at the same time. This makes this decision—should I repair or replace it—to be so confusing. The problem is usually wear and tear.

• Electrical components—sensors, switches, controls, and capacitors—experience constant use and eventually become less conducive and create resistance. Resistance forces the system to work harder and use more electricity.
• Wear also happens to the motors in the system. Constant use year-round takes its toll.
• The combustion of natural gas creates carbon dioxide and water vapor (steam). Since many of the burner assemblies, heat exchangers, and exhaust flue components are cast iron or sheet metal, they are all susceptible to rust. These parts are too vital to allow rust and corrosion to compromise their structure.
• Heat pump systems use the same refrigerant as the air conditioner, so these components do double duty. The cost of refrigerant, especially old refrigerant, is getting very expensive.

All of this should highlight the importance of HVAC maintenance. Correcting small problems early saves money by reducing energy costs each month and extending the useful life of the system.

Determining Age

If you were the homeowner during the last HVAC replacement, determining the age should be no problem. If not, there are a few easy steps to determine the manufacture date; this should get close to the actual installation date.

• Find the serial number/model number plaque. It should be positioned in an obvious location.
• Find the website for the system’s brand and look for the model number lookup function. The model and serial number should give the month and year the unit was manufactured. Determine the age of your system.
• Subtract the age from 20 (be optimistic) and you will have the approximate number of expected useful life for your HVAC system.
• If the number is negative, you have to do well but need to make plans quickly. Either way, set a reminder and begin making budgetary plans to replace the entire HVAC system.
• As that date approaches, begin research with your favorite HVAC professional concerning models, options, and accessories.

Other Factors

There are some other considerations beyond age that can help a homeowner decide concerning repairing or replacing the HVAC system.

• Add the repair costs for the last five to ten years. It is common for repairs to become more frequent and more expensive.
• Poor performance, that shows up in cold rooms or extra long heating cycles. Is the system having a hard time keeping up with normal winter temperatures?
• Unusually loud noises or odd smells. This includes screeching or loud humming noises or burning, musty, or sulfur smells not generally associated with your system.

How to Determine If It’s Time For a Furnace Replacement: Key Signs and Considerations

When deciding whether to repair or replace a furnace, homeowners should consider the age of their HVAC system, as well as signs of wear and tear on its components. Systems typically last around 20 years, and frequent repairs or poor performance can indicate it’s time for a furnace replacement. Additional factors like rising repair costs, inefficiency, and unusual noises or smells also play a key role in determining it is time for a furnace replacement.

Houston Trane can connect you with a Trane Licensed Furnace Replacement Contractor who can answer your questions about HVAC system repair and installation. To find a local Trane Furnace Replacement Contractor, visit our Local Dealer search tool.