Repair or Replace Your Furnace?
If your oil or gas furnace is acting up, the big question is whether to fix it or put that money toward a new system. Here's how to make the call, and when it's time to bring in a pro.
Quick Gut Check: Repair or Replace?
Answer these honestly. The more "yes" answers, the more replacement makes sense.
- Is your furnace more than 15 years old?
- Is this repair going to cost a big chunk of what a new system would?
- Have you needed more than one repair in the last couple of years?
- Are your heating bills climbing even though your usage hasn't changed?
- Are some rooms always too hot or too cold?
- Do you have any safety concerns, like strange smells or soot?
- Not sure? We'll give you a straight answer on whether it's worth fixing.
5 Warning Signs Your Furnace Is on Its Way Out
Frequent Repairs
If you're calling for service every season, those costs add up fast and usually point to a system near the end of its life.
Strange Noises or Smells
Banging, rattling, or a burning or fuel smell means something isn't right. A fuel or exhaust smell should be checked right away.
Rising Heating Bills
An older system has to work harder to keep up, and you pay for it every month.
Dry or Dusty Air
A struggling furnace can mean poor airflow and more dust moving through your home.
Uneven Temperatures
If your ductwork is in good shape but some rooms still won't heat evenly, the furnace may not be keeping up.
3 Things to Look For in a New Furnace
Efficiency (AFUE)
AFUE tells you how much of your fuel actually turns into heat. A higher number means less fuel wasted. A high-efficiency unit costs more up front but pays some of that back in lower fuel bills over the years.
Reliability
The cheapest furnace isn’t a deal if it quits on you when you need it most. Brand, build quality, and regular maintenance all affect how long it lasts.
Proper Sizing
Bigger isn't better. A furnace has to be sized for your home and installed right, or you won't see the savings you paid for.
Replacing? You Have Options
A new high-efficiency oil or gas furnace is a solid choice for a lot of homes. For others, a heat pump, or a heat pump paired with your existing system, makes more sense. We install both, and we'll tell you honestly which one fits your house and budget.
Money-Saving Tip
Before you upgrade, tighten up your house. Better insulation and air sealing can mean you need a smaller system, which saves you money on the install and every winter after.
Common Questions
How long does a furnace usually last?
[Typical lifespan, to be confirmed.] A well-maintained system tends to last longer.
Is it worth repairing an old furnace?
Sometimes. A small repair on a system that's otherwise in good shape can make sense. If it's older and the repairs keep coming, you're usually better off putting that money toward a new system.
Can I switch from oil or gas to a heat pump?
In a lot of homes, yes. We'll look at your house and your current setup and tell you what makes sense.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. See our HVAC Financing page for details.
Not Sure Which Way to Go?
We'll take a look and give you a straight answer. Serving Franklin, Chittenden, and Grand Isle counties and parts of Lamoille County.