When deciding whether to call for furnace service in Shippensburg, PA, there are a lot of reasons why people might hesitate to do so. They might not be sure that the issue is one that warrants immediate repairs. Or they might be worried that their furnace is beyond repair and believe it’s overdue for replacement. If you’re asking yourself this question, take a look at how old is too old for a furnace to get clarity on what age range typically signals it’s time to replace.
For non-emergency repairs, it can be easy to ignore small signs that your furnace needs some help, especially when those signs are subtle. Let’s go over the factors that heating technicians take into account when determining if a furnace needs to be repaired or time to consider furnace replacement.
When should you repair vs. replace your furnace?
- Use the “$5,000 rule”: Multiply repair cost by system age, if it’s more than $5,000, replacement is the smarter choice.
- Check its age: Most furnaces last 10-15 years. If yours is near or past that, consider replacing for better efficiency.
- Watch performance and energy use: Rising heating costs and uneven warmth are clear signals a new furnace could save you more in the long run.
- Factor in life changes: Home additions, a growing family, or long-term stay? These often justify upgrading to a more suitable system.