Your furnace has lasted you for a pretty long time, but now it’s starting to give you trouble. Whether it’s broken down completely or it’s on the verge of needing a major repair, older furnaces lose their luster and their ability to heat your home over time. But how do you know when it’s time to replace it?
We’ve helped homeowners with furnace replacement in Rancho Cordova, CA, and as a result, we’ve seen the 50% rule play out time and time again. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s explain what that rule is, and why it’s a good idea to follow it.
The 50% Rule (in a Nutshell)
The 50% replacement rule dictates that if your repair bill is the same price or higher than 50% of the cost of a brand-new furnace, it’s better to just go with a new furnace. Instead of trying to repair a dying furnace, a replacement will serve you better and keep things cheaper. Let’s explain why.
- Your Furnace Is Old: Furnaces last for 10-15 years, and rarely any more than that. If your furnace is around this age, it’s already on its way out as we speak. This repair won’t be your last, and the next may be just as expensive.
- Breakdowns Are More Common: It’s chugging along, but barely. Wear and tear results in more damage over time that makes it more susceptible to breakdowns.
- Cycles Are Longer: With an older furnace, your heating cycles aren’t exactly quick. They take up more energy and have to run for longer than a newer furnace would, which hits you where it hurts the most–your wallet.
One Big Reason to Replace Your Furnace Anyway
Let’s say your repair is only 35% of the cost of replacement, or maybe 40%. Should you still replace it? Well, that’s still a very high bill to consider, and like we said, it’s not going to be the last repair you ever pay for on this furnace. Beyond the immediate price, there’s another reason: efficiency.
Your furnace naturally loses efficiency as it ages. That decline is inevitable, even with maintenance and repairs. There’s a certain level of wear and tear that takes hold of your furnace and doesn’t let go, and it’s not something any technician can safeguard you against–it just happens with usage plus time.
The unfortunate thing is that your energy bills suffer as a result. Thankfully, newer furnaces are more efficient because they’re new, but also because they use updated technology and likely have a higher AFUE rating than your old furnace, saving you money every month on your heating costs.
Let’s Replace That Furnace ASAP
Your furnace has kicked the bucket, and before winter knocks on your door, you need to replace it. Let’s help you keep your family warm throughout the season and put a better, more cost-effective heating solution to work for you and your family. It all starts with a phone call.
Contact Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc. today to schedule your furnace replacement as soon as possible. You can always trust The Guys in the Big Red Trucks.