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Should I Replace My 25-Year-Old Furnace? | Bloomingdale, IL HVAC
If your furnace has kept your Fox River Valley home warm for two and a half decades, congratulations! It exceeded most expectations for how long a conventional heater would last. So, does that mean it’s time to replace it? Well, maybe.
On the one hand, you want to get the most value out of your appliances, and that includes your HVAC system. On the other hand, there are some advantages to swapping it out early.
There’s the peace of mind that comes with not worrying about the winter day when you have no heat. And the savings in utility bills you’ll see over time.
We’ll get into all of the factors to consider when deciding whether or not to replace a furnace that’s 25 years old or older. This article covers:
- Average Lifespan For a Furnace
- Warranty, And Repairs
- Energy Efficiency
- Check-And-Cleans
- Heat Pump Vs. A New Furnace
- Furnace Replacement In Bloomingdale, IL
If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to start exploring options for your home in Bloomingdale, IL or anywhere in the Fox River Valley, reach out to us at Compass Heating and Air. Starting with a free consultation, we’ll help you find the right system for your home, your family, and your budget.
Average Lifespan For a Furnace
Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years. So, if yours made it to 25, you’re ahead of the game. Remember, you get more value from your investment every year your system keeps working. That’s more time before you spend the money on a new system.
But, there’s a little more to consider than just that.
Just because your system is still running doesn’t mean it’s doing a great job. Outside of financial considerations, it could mean your home isn’t as comfortable as it used to be.
And you may be paying more for less comfort. We’ll get into those considerations over the following few points.
Warranty, And Repairs
It’s worth checking whether your warranty is valid before considering a new system. In just about every case, a 25-year-old furnace is no longer covered. Most furnace warranties last about ten years (ACs and ductless units are sometimes longer).
So, it’s usually worth taking that into account for a younger unit.
For one that’s more than two decades old, your repair costs come into play. Sure, your system may run — most of the time. But, how often do you call for repairs?
Those costs add up over time. Not to mention the fact that you could be going a day or two sometimes without any heat. And, the more a system breaks down, the more likely it is that the next time you call for repairs, the technician will tell you it’s time for a new heater.
At that point, you’re scrambling in the middle of the cold season to choose a new unit and have the contractor install it.
Energy Efficiency
This factor involves the environment as well as finances:Energy efficiency.
By nature, older systems will use far more resources than newer ones. That’s natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. And, every year, the latest models get a little better at providing heat while using fewer resources.
Of course, the fewer resources you use, the less you pay each month. And the less impact you have on the environment.
And, when you’re dealing with a 25-year-span, that change is even more pronounced. Thanks to numerous new laws and regulations, manufacturers made huge leaps in energy efficiency.
That means that you don’t even need a “better” model to see an improvement. Even if you had a “builder-grade” model to begin with, you can go for another low-cost unit and still get much better energy efficiency.
So, if you’ve noticed your energy bills rising every winter, a new system could end up saving quite a bit over the next few years.
Read More: ComEd Rebates For New Energy-Efficient Appliances.
Check-And-Cleans
We’ve talked about what to consider when deciding whether to keep or replace an older furnace. Now, let’s take a moment to talk about the best way to ensure your system lasts that long — and doesn’t cost a whole lot extra along the way.
The secret, so to speak, is annual maintenance or furnace check-and-cleans. These quick, simple, and relatively inexpensive service calls go a long way.
When you get a check-and-clean, a certified HVAC tech cleans, inspects, and optimizes your system. When they’re done, your system is in the best possible shape for the hard work ahead of it.
That means all the parts are in excellent condition. There’s no dirt, dust, or debris gumming up the works. The electrical components are all connected and firing, and the moving parts are lubricated and ready to go.
And, this has a cumulative effect: When everything’s in great working order, the system as a whole works better and experiences less wear and tear.
Heat Pump Vs. A New Furnace
If you’re ready for a new furnace, we suggest considering a heat pump instead. It’ll cost a little more upfront than the cheapest conventional heaters on the market. But, it offers many long-term benefits you won’t get with a regular forced-air furnace.
We’re talking much better energy efficiency — huge drops on your energy bill. And, it’s one system to heat and cool your home. You don’t invest in a second central air system.
There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to heat pumps today. You can check out our podcast episode on the subject here for more. Or these articles in our learning library.
Furnace Replacement In Bloomingdale, IL
Compass Heating and Air has been the trusted name for furnace replacement in Bloomingdale, IL and the Fox River Valley for more than a decade. We have an excellent reputation for helping find the perfect new system, whether it’s a comparable replacement or a valuable, energy-efficient, comfort-increasing upgrade. And, we do the job right the first time!
Click below or call us at (630) 504-8688 for your free consultation.
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