Repair vs Replace: When a Furnace Is Worth Fixing and When It’s Time to Upgrade

Many homeowners face the repair vs. replace furnace debate each year. With Springdale's unpredictable winters, no homeowner wants to be stuck with a furnace that doesn't heat their home adequately. Whether you should invest in furnace repair or a replacement depends on many factors.

Common Furnace Issues Homeowners Run Into

During winter, many Springdale homeowners experience issues with their furnaces. One of the most common is a clogged air filter. If you don't change your air filter regularly, it can become clogged with debris, restricting airflow. This will cause your unit to overheat, eventually leading to the furnace short-cycling. You can easily replace the dirty air filter and restore furnace operation.

Another reason homeowners call for gas furnace repair is due to faulty ignition components. If your furnace is not heating your home, the ignition components are typically to blame. You may have a faulty electric igniter that won't send a spark to the burner. You may also have a dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor that's stopping your fuel supply from reaching the burner.

Another reason you may need to call for furnace repair is that there is little or no airflow from your vents. Weak airflow typically points to an issue with the blower compartment. It may be a faulty blower fan belt, pulley, or even the blower motor. Getting a professional diagnosis is the key to remedying the problem with your system.

As a homeowner, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot your furnace before calling a professional. These include replacing the air filter, putting new batteries in your thermostat, and resetting your circuit breaker. Beyond these, it's important to have a professional do a thorough evaluation of your system. Manufacturers require a certified technician to do the repairs for them to be covered under warranty.

When Is a Furnace Worth Fixing?

There are many cases where all you may need is gas furnace repair to get your unit back up and functioning correctly. Typically, if you're experiencing furnace short cycling, it's a fixable issue. Many noises, like rattling, popping, or even squealing, can also be repaired.

Some other issues that can be remedied with repairs include inconsistent heating, a burning smell at startup, and thermostat temperature malfunctions. Generally, if your furnace is still under warranty, getting repairs is the better approach. Our knowledgeable technicians can assess your furnace and recommend whether repair or replacement is your better choice.

When Is a Furnace Replacement a Better Choice?

Not all problems should be repaired. Sometimes, it makes more economic sense to replace the furnace rather than spend money on repairs. One of the biggest indicators that you need a new furnace is that your existing one needs frequent repairs. You shouldn't be repairing your furnace every year or multiple times a year.

You may notice rising utility costs year after year as your furnace becomes less efficient. It's common to notice that your furnace isn't keeping up during cold spells. If your furnace's warranty has expired, you may want to consider replacing it instead of repairing it. Furthermore, if your furnace is triggering your carbon monoxide detectors, it indicates a serious safety issue.

It's never a good idea to consider repairing units with major issues. Typically, the cost of the parts and labor to repair them well outweighs the cost of purchasing a new unit. In general, if the cost of repairs iexceedsone-half the total cost of purchasing a new unit, it's best to get a new unit.

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Furnace

Opting to upgrade your outdated heating system comes with many great benefits. One of the biggest benefits of getting a new furnace is the brand-new warranty. You won't have to worry about paying out of pocket for any unexpected repairs, and your risk of experiencing a breakdown is very minimal. Newer units tend to be more energy-efficient than existing ones, which means lower utility bills for you. Many new units qualify for federal and local tax credits, which can help you recoup some of the upfront costs you spend.

When selecting a new furnace for your home, there are a few factors you should consider. One of the first is the type of fuel it uses. Furnaces can use electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating oil. It's best to select the most cost-effective energy solution in your area. It's a good idea to check the furnace's efficiency. While high-efficiency furnaces cost more, they lead to long-term energy savings. Other features to look at include the upfront purchase price, the product's brand name, and integrated smart features.

Professional Furnace Services in Springdale

Varsity Zone HVAC of Springdale is your one-stop shop for all of your furnace repair and replacement needs in Springdale and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are more than happy to assist with repairing all different types of furnaces, including gas and electric ones. If you're noticing frequent breakdowns, performance declines, or safety concerns, we can replace your outdated unit with a new one.

Contact us to schedule an inspection with one of our HVAC technicians before the next cold front.