When an older furnace breaks down, the big question is whether to fix it or put that money toward a new one. There’s no single right answer, but there are clear signs that point one way or the other. Here’s how we help homeowners decide, honestly.
How long does a furnace last?
A well-maintained gas furnace usually lasts about 15 to 20 years. You’ll find the manufacture date on the label inside the furnace door. If you can’t find it, we can tell you during a service visit.
When a repair makes sense
- The furnace is under about 12 to 15 years old
- It’s a single, simple repair, such as a flame sensor, igniter or thermostat
- It has had few breakdowns before
- Your heating bills have been steady
- The heat exchanger is in good condition
When replacement makes sense
- The furnace is over 15 years old and needs a major repair
- It has needed several repairs in the last couple of years
- Your heating bills keep climbing even though your usage hasn’t changed
- Some rooms are always too cold, or the furnace runs constantly
- It’s an older mid-efficiency model, while today’s high-efficiency furnaces turn most of their fuel into heat
- There’s a cracked heat exchanger, which is a safety issue
A simple rule of thumb
Multiply the furnace’s age by the cost of the repair. If the result is over $5,000, replacement is usually the better value. For example, a 16-year-old furnace with an $800 repair gives 12,800, which points toward replacing. It’s only a guide, but it’s a useful starting point.
Safety comes first
A cracked heat exchanger can let carbon monoxide into your home. If a technician finds one, the furnace should not be used. Every home with a gas furnace should have a working carbon monoxide alarm near the bedrooms.
What a new furnace involves
If replacement is the right choice, a new furnace should be properly sized for your home, not just matched to the old one. An oversized furnace turns on and off too often and wears out sooner. A proper installation also includes checking the venting, the gas line and the ductwork connections.
From the field
We get this call every winter. A homeowner’s 15-year-old furnace stops heating, and they’re already bracing for the cost of a new one. Most of the time, it’s something small: a dirty flame sensor, a worn igniter, or a failing inducer motor. A repair like that gets the house warm again the same day and can keep a well-maintained furnace running for years.
But age isn’t the only thing we look at. If we find a cracked heat exchanger, or the furnace has needed several repairs in the last couple of years, we’ll tell you straight that replacing it is the smarter money.
Honest advice, no pressure
We’ll tell you if a repair makes more sense than a new system. We look at your furnace, explain what we find in plain language, and give you an upfront flat-rate price for both options, so you can decide what’s right for you.
Air Net Heating & Air Conditioning repairs and replaces furnaces across Richmond Hill and York Region, all major brands, including Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Bryant, York and KeepRite. Call 416-791-1609, open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
Related service: Furnace and AC installation in Richmond Hill · Furnace repair in Richmond Hill