Surrey Heating Replacement Guide: 5 Reasons to Replace Your Furnace
No homeowner wants to even think about replacing a furnace, let alone do it. Furnaces are expensive appliances, costing anywhere from about $3,000 to $6,000 with installation costs. However, there are reasons to get your furnace replaced. Here are five of the most common.
1. Your furnace is old
On average, most furnaces last about 15 to 20 years, although some can last longer if they are well-maintained. When they get older, they start to have more problems, such as fuses and sensors burning out and frequent breakdowns. Switching now can save you further repair costs.
2. You have an inefficient furnace
Furnaces have made great leaps in efficiency in the past few years. Even if your furnace is only 10 years old, it may be a lot more inefficient than a newer model. A model that’s 97 percent efficient will cut your bills about 20 percent compared to one that’s only 80 percent efficient; plus, it’s more environmental friendly. To see if making a switch is worth it, you need to figure out your bills now and calculate how much the more efficient furnace will save. If you are likely to recoup the cost of a new furnace within 10 years or so, then it’s probably worth it.
3. You use heating oil
Oil and gas prices have been going in different directions for several years now. Gas prices in 2012 have hit lows not seen in a decade, while oil prices have been consistently above $100 a barrel. For those with a heating oil furnace, switching to gas — or even electric — can lead to immediate savings on heating bills. And if the price trend continues, it won’t take long to recoup the cost of the switch.
4. Your house has grown
When a house is built, the furnace that is installed is meant to fit the size of the house. When a furnace is replaced, same principle applies. However, if you have put an addition onto your home or turned a large unheated space into a heated one, you may need a larger furnace.
5. Rebates or other savings programs
You may be able to take advantage of tax credits or rebates offered by your local utility to buy a new furnace that is more efficient than your old one.