Welcome to our guide on navigating the critical decision between furnace repair or furnace replacement in Gresham. As we are in the dead of winter, reliability of your furnace is paramount.
Many people in Gresham struggle with deciding whether to fix their current furnace or get a new one. This guide offers clear information and useful tips to help you choose what’s best for your comfort, safety, and budget.
Understanding Your Furnace's Condition
Before diving into the decision of repairing or replacing your furnace, it’s important to assess its current state. An efficiently working furnace not only ensures a cozy home but also contributes to your family’s safety.
When to Consider Furnace Repair in Gresham:
1. Minor Malfunctions: Do you notice problems such as some rooms feeling colder than others, the thermostat not working properly, or blocked filters? These are signs that your system needs a repair, not necessarily a furnace replacement. An experienced HVAC contractor will be able to diagnose and repair your system helping you avoid a costly replacement.
2. Ductwork Issues: Noises or inefficiencies stemming from ductwork issues can be resolved without replacing the furnace.
3. Recent Installation: If your furnace is newer and is far from reaching its full lifespan, choosing repairs over replacement will save you money. This is especially true for units still under warranty coverage. If your furnace is still under warranty, repairs might be more economical and straightforward.
4. Repair Costs: When the repair cost is significantly lower than a replacement, particularly if it’s less than 50% of the cost of a new furnace, repairing is the way to go. Ask your HVAC contractor for a repair cost vs replacement cost breakdown.
Examples of minor furnace repairs:
- Pressure switch replacements
- Ignitor replacements
- Sequencer replacements
- Transformer replacements
Fixing major problems with your furnace can take a lot of time, hard work, and HVAC contractor expertise. You need these kinds of repairs when a serious issue stops your furnace from working properly. Analyzing repair cost vs replacement cost will help you make the most cost effective decision. In the next section we will discuss when you’ll need a furnace replacement.
Signs You Need Furnace Replacement in Gresham:
- Aging Furnace: Furnaces typically have a lifespan of 15-30 years. If yours is over 15 years old and frequently needs repairs, consider a replacement.
- High Energy Bills: An increase in your energy bills might indicate an inefficient furnace that could need replacing.
- Frequent Repairs: If you often need furnace repairs, it may be cheaper to buy a new furnace instead. Just like an old car that still runs but needs frequent small fixes, an old furnace might work with minor repairs but won’t perform as well or as efficiently as a new one.
- Loud Noises: Unexpected and loud noises from the furnace could indicate serious issues. You may need a replacement if your furnace is old and requiring many repairs. An HVAC contractor can inspect your unit and help you decide. Read more about furnace noises.
- Carbon Monoxide Emission: This is a serious issue. If you notice symptoms like a yellow furnace flame, excess moisture, rusting on pipes, streaks of soot around the furnace, replace your furnace immediately to ensure safety.
Cost Consideration:
The cost is a significant factor in the decision-making process. If the cost to repair your furnace is about half or more of the price of a new one, especially if it’s an older model, it’s usually a better choice to replace it. Use the below as an easy way to judge the value of a replacement:
- Repair: Repair your furnace if the repair would cost less than half of the replacement cost.
- Replace: Replace your furnace if it’s beyond three-quarters of its life expectancy and a repair approaches one-third the cost of a replacement.
A new furnace can range between $2,000 and $6,500, depending on its type and efficiency. While final cost comes down to brand, your location, and warranties you can use the below as a general guide to help you determine which type is right for your home:
- Oil furnaces: $2,800 for regular efficiency, $6,500 for high efficiency
- Gas furnaces: $2,100 for regular efficiency, $4,600 for high efficiency
- Electric furnaces: $2,000 for regular efficiency, $4,400 for high efficiency.
Benefits of Furnace Replacement:
- Energy Efficiency: New furnaces are more energy-efficient, which can lead to lower utility bills.
- Safety: Upgrading your furnace enhances safety, especially important in older models that might emit carbon monoxide.
- Home Value: A new furnace can increase the value of your property, an important consideration if you plan to sell your home in the future.
- Utility Rebates and Tax Credits: Installing a high-efficiency furnace can qualify homeowners for state and local tax credits and utility company incentives, offsetting some of the initial costs. The Oregon Department of Energy plans on rolling out even more programs mid-year 2024 to help Oregonians save.
Consulting a Professional:
When facing uncertainty, consulting with HVAC professionals for furnace repair and replacement in Gresham is crucial. Oxbow’s skilled technicians can check your furnace and assist you in making a safe and affordable decision.
Conclusion:
When deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace in Gresham, you need to think about several things. These include how old the furnace is, how much repairs cost, how often it needs fixing, and how well it uses energy.
As a homeowner, you should assess the condition of your furnace, think about the costs, and get advice from experts. Making the right choice is important for your home’s comfort and safety and can affect your finances in the long run.
If you’re unsure about what to do with your furnace, feel free to reach out to our team. Oxbow HVAC professionals are experienced in both repairing and replacing furnaces in Gresham, and we’re here to help you decide what’s best for your home and family.
