Homeowner guides for furnace repair and replacement

Homeowners facing extreme winter temperatures must decide between repairing or replacing aging furnace systems. Key factors in this decision include the age of the equipment, repair history, and overall energy efficiency. While gas furnaces are typically rated for 15 to 20 years of service, reliability often begins to decline around the 12-year mark.

Upgrading to modern high-efficiency models can significantly reduce monthly utility costs, as older units may operate at only 65 to 70 percent efficiency compared to over 95 percent in newer models. When planning a replacement, performing a Manual J load calculation is essential to ensure the new unit's BTU output matches the specific insulation, ventilation, and window requirements of the home, rather than simply matching the capacity of the previous unit.