Furnace Repair or Replace?

When the heater starts to malfunction, many homeowners debate whether they should call for furnace repair or buy an upgraded system. There are pros and cons to each choice and every individual will have to do some research and thinking to decide for himself or herself. Reparation can be the ecologically sound thing to do -- or not. Many appliances are designed to go kaput at a certain age and to be hauled away to the dump. At least that’s what the manufacturers of new HVAC systems would like.

Manufacturers make money when new products are purchased. On the other hand, purchasing a new system can be good for the planet due to increased energy efficiency. If a system is so old that it guzzles energy like a hungry monster, this will make a large carbon footprint on the earth. The planetary natural resources are being depleted at an unfortunately high rate. Using a minimum of energy will be best for the planet and best for a consumer’s wallet. Here are some things to think about:

- Maintenance: An ounce of preventative maintenance is worth a pound of repair. Want to keep that HVAC working seamlessly for many years to come? Then perform regular maintenance and servicing. Replace the filter every month like clockwork.

Purchase a large supply of the proper sized filters at the local hardware store and keep them handy at home. On a specific date, such as the first of each month or every full moon, take out the old dusty one and discard it. Slip the new one into place and voila, you have just extended the life of your furnace. Having a service technician come in at the beginning of every season to perform service will be a wise step, too.

- How old is your heater? Ancient furnace systems that clunk, clank and guzzle may be hopelessly outdated. When this old dinosaur breaks down, it may be wise to give it a decent burial. If it’s only a few years old, however, it would be wiser to call the repairperson out to fix it.

- Energy star products: The government has given the “energy star” label to a variety of green products that are proven to cut energy consumption by 10 to 15%. The average family spends a couple thousand dollars to heat their home each winter and this savings can accumulate quickly. Not only will the utility bills be lower, but the government offers tax breaks to homeowners who install energy star products.

- Your repairperson: When selecting a repairperson to fix your HVAC, it’s wise to get some word-of-mouth referrals from friends, neighbors and family members. It’s even smarter to establish a relationship with a tech before a breakdown occurs. Having an annual seasonal service performed will be the perfect opportunity to get this business relationship cemented.

When the heater goes kaput, it may be wise to call for furnace repair or might just be a wakeup call to purchase a new system. Doing a bit of homework and comparison shopping will provide answers for making an informed decision.