When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Heating Unit

Air conditioning and heating units are some of the most expensive, crucial parts of your home. And winters in southeast Louisiana are mild, so the idea of replacing a rarely-used unit is frustrating but will eventually need to happen. At Southern Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we know how stressful the decision to repair or replace your furnace can become.

If you aren’t sure whether you need a furnace installation or furnace repair in Baton Rouge, give us a call. Every situation is unique, and we want to make sure you get the most from your investment. Keep reading for some general tips that can help make your decision a little easier!

Major Signs Your Heater Should Be Replaced

The age of a heating unit is one of the most important things to know when considering a heater replacement. When serviced regularly, most units have a useful life of 15 to 30 years. Before making a decision, think about how much money you have spent repairing your unit and what newer systems currently cost.

Environmental concerns and technological advancements allow newer systems to meet updated AFUE requirements and may be worth the investment in the long run.

And during winter tune-ups, ask the technician to inspect the ductwork in your home. This can help ensure another issue is not affecting your system’s operation, which would continue impacting a new unit.

Here are some noticeable signs your system is aging:

• Repairs occur frequently and are becoming more serious
• Your furnace has started emitting carbon monoxide
• Your heater continues to make strange sounds after repairs
• A repair costs more than half of what a replacement unit would cost (the 50% rule)

Subtle Signs Your Heating System Is Struggling

Not every sign that your furnace is nearing the end of its life is obvious. This is especially true in mild-wintered Louisiana, where systems get used infrequently.

Increased Utility Bill

Changes in utility costs are easy to overlook when the system is only used a couple of months each year and because energy rates can fluctuate. Compare previous utility bills to determine if your bill is higher than it should be. If the cost of energy hasn’t changed much but your unit is using more energy and, thus, costing you more, you may consider a replacement.

Lower Efficiency

Coupled with rising utility costs, a furnace failing to keep your home as comfortable as you’d like, it may be near the end of its life. It is working harder to operate, costing you more money, but still is not as effective as in the past.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

A properly functioning heating unit helps improve indoor air quality by controlling temperature and humidity. When your unit does not operate efficiently to control the conditions in your home, it cannot reduce mildew or mold growth and may even blow unconditioned air from the attic into your home.

Common Heater Repair Signs

When your unit is in good condition, it will perform well and won’t need repairs often. If this is your case, then a repair is likely all that it needs. Well-maintained units last at least 15 years, so repairs also make sense for systems less than five years old.

Additionally, simple repairs, repairs that can reduce energy requirements or increase home efficiency will return your investment and are worth pursuing, instead of replacing the unit.

Deciding On Heater Replacement Or Repairs

Our Southern Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing team can tackle any of your furnace replacement or repair needs. Serving Baton Rouge for more than 25 years, we provide effective, transparent services 24/7 to keep your home toasty, no matter how cold it may get this winter. We are also providing heating services in Leesville on behalf of Southern Air!