It’s that time of year when our phone lines are busy and our customer service staff hears from families who went to turn on their heat and the system didn’t work. While we hope it’s a call you never need to make, we’re here to help you with quick and simple fixes – like repairing a clogged filter or tripped circuit breaker – to more challenging solutions like determining when it’s more cost effective to fix the furnace or replace it.
Before evaluating whether to repair or replace your heating system, there are a few facts that every homeowner should know. On average, a furnace can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years and in a survey, the National Association of Home Builders found that a typical boiler for hot-water radiators and baseboards last 13 to 21 years on average. With that said, a new furnace can cost upward of $5,000 and a boiler can run anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 or more.
When it comes to your home heating equipment, always think safety first. Often times, if there is a problem with an oil system, there is a smell associated with it. If you have an oil system and smell something unfamiliar – call us right away to have it evaluated. For gas systems, however, that is not the case and there is no smell to help alert you if things are not working properly, which is why it’s important to have your home heating system checked every year. When your family’s safety is in question it is always better to replace the system to prevent serious accidents and we can help you determine if a replacement is necessary.
Another problem families face this time of year is an increase in energy bills. This might be a sign that you need to replace or repair your heating equipment. In an age where energy prices remain uncertain, energy efficiency should be a large part of a homeowner’s repair versus replace analysis. Along with energy savings, tax incentives can also help to save money – look for the ENERGY STAR® label for your best options when considering replacement.
Generally, consider replacing your system if the equipment is beyond three-quarters of the average life expectancy. This means that if your furnace is more than 20 years old and begins to have problems, replacement should be considered.
While there are benefits to both replacement and repair, there are certain indicators to be on the look-out for that may suggest your heating equipment is on its way out, and should be replaced. One such indicator is frequent breakdowns. If your system has broken down multiple times over the past few years, repairs may not be in your wallet’s best interest and you should consider replacing the system.
There are many scenarios to consider when evaluating whether to replace or repair your home’s heating equipment. Noonan Energy can help you complete a cost analysis for a new system and help you evaluate whether your heating equipment requires a simple fix or something more extensive. Additionally, Noonan Energy is offering customers $200 off boilers from Energy Kinetics for a limited time. Call Noonan Energy today at 800-343-8829 or visit, noonanenergy.com to talk to a home heating professional today about repair vs. replacement, and to inquire about our seasonal boiler special.