The general estimate is that a furnace should serve a home well for about 18 to 20 years, which is a considerable amount of time. Knowing this, when your furnace gets to a point in its life span when it may be close to the end, you may be wondering whether replacement or repair is the most logical choice. Naturally, a furnace is one of the more costly investments in your home, so getting as many years as possible is typically the preference. Nevertheless, there are points when it still makes more sense to do a full-on furnace replacement. Here is a look at a few things to consider about both repair and replacement. 

Furnace Repair 

It is more common for a furnace to be repaired than replaced, obviously. Small issues are relatively easy to fix, and a small investment can mean several more years of service from some furnaces. Some of the most general, logical repairs include: 

• Replacing the fan motor on the furnace
• Replacing the heat exchanger 
• Replacing the pilot light or igniter 
• Replacing faulty wiring in electrical systems 
• Replacing the heating coils inside the furnace 

While this list is not extensive, it is some of the most common furnace repairs. Some of the bigger issues can be more expensive to repair and can mean other components are at risk of failure as well. 

Furnace Replacement

You can usually tell when it is time to replace your furnace by a few telltale signs. If you are not wanting to face the expense of full replacement, it is easy to talk yourself into believing these issues can be overcome. However, they are usually relatively definitive signs it is time to move on and make a change. Some of the telltale signs you need a furnace replacement include: 

• The furnace is beyond the average life span of a furnace 
• You are experiencing high heating bills in spite of good maintenance and general repairs 
• The furnace is starting to deteriorate or rust 
• You have issues keeping stable temperatures in the house in spite of a new thermostat 

Talk to a Professional for Help

In the end, if you are unsure of whether it is time to repair or replace your home's furnace, it is best to talk to a professional to get a thorough system assessment and diagnosis. Reach out to a plumbing/HVAC company like Washam Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to get advice.