3 Things To Consider As Your Heater Gets Older

When it comes to your heating system, even the best will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. The average lifespan of your heating system will depend on the type of furnace used and how well it has been maintained. On average, most furnaces will last between 15 and 20 years before needing to be replaced. As your heating system ages, here are three things that you should be taking into consideration.

Maintenance

While it may be tempting to skip out on maintenance when your heating system is close to the end of its lifespan, it is still needed on a regular basis. If you want to get the most years out of our system as possible before replacing it, regular maintenance is a must. A clean, well-maintained system will operate longer and more efficiently than a system that has not been maintained. There are plenty of HVAC companies that offer heating system services that will clean your system and ensure that it is working to the best of its ability. The average cost of these services range from $60 to $80.

Cost Of Repair Versus Replacement

Another thing to consider as your heating system ages is the cost of repair versus the cost of replacement. The average cost of furnace repair is $267, however, major repairs can cost much more than the average. Replacing the furnace on the other hand costs between $2,521 and $6,056 on average. While repair is often the more cost-effective option, if extensive repairs are needed or if repairs are needed often, then you should consider replacement. The cost of multiple repairs can add up to more than what it would cost to install a new heating system.

Energy Efficiency

Have you noticed that your heater is not working as well as it used to or that your energy bills have gone up? Your heating system may not be as energy efficient as it once was. Older furnaces are also usually less energy efficient than new models. Efficiency is measured by a furnace's annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Old, low-efficiency heating systems tend to have AFUEs between 56 and 70 percent, while new energy efficient systems have AFUEs between 90 and 98.5 percent. Investing in a new energy efficient system may be something you want to start planning for.

As your heating system ages, it's important to make sure that you continue with regular maintenance in order to keep your system working as well as possible. You may also want to consider the cost of repair versus replacement and which one will be the most economical option. Energy efficiency should also be kept in mind. You may want to upgrade to a more energy efficient system at some point in the future. To learn more, visit a website like http://www.dependableheat-cool.com. 

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