Furnace Repair vs Replacement

As any Minneapolis resident will tell you, a quality furnace isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ in the Twin Cities — it’s an essential. That’s why it’s vital that homeowners know when they can get away with repairing an aging furnace and when it’s time to invest in a new system. This common dilemma can be challenging, but with this guide, you’ll have all the info you need to decide between furnace repair vs. replacement, ensuring you make the smartest, most cost-effective decision. With that warm-up out of the way, let’s dive in.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention

First off, (almost) no one ever replaced or repaired their furnace when it was working normally. But what are the signs that your furnace needs attention? Here are a few obvious and subtler signs that it’s time to call for HVAC services in Minneapolis:

• Strange noises coming from the furnace while running
• Furnace putting out very low or no heat
• Furnace blowing cold air
• Furnace not running at all
• Strange odors when running the furnace
• Hot and cold spots throughout the house
• Rising energy bills with no change in usage
• Furnace constantly switches on and off (short-cycling)
• Furnace never switches off (long-cycling)
• A yellow pilot light
• Pilot light keeps extinguishing
• Furnace is more than 15-20 years old

If you’re dealing with any of the above issues, it’s a sure sign you need help from a heating pro. But how do you know when to replace a furnace versus repair it?

When To Repair Your Furnace

Before we get into the details of repairable furnace issues, consider the age of your system. How long do furnaces last in Minnesota’s harsh winter climate? While exact furnace lifespans vary, you can generally expect yours to run for about 15-20 years before it makes more financial sense to replace the system. If your unit is older than this, we suggest skipping ahead to the replacement section.

If your system isn’t that old yet, there’s a good chance you can repair almost any issue. The only real reason not to do this is if you’re dealing with repeated breakdowns, if furnace repairs never seem to permanently work, or if you have any reason to suspect there’s a risk of a hazardous gas leak. To get more info, including the cost of furnace repair for your specific case, contact a professional with experience in Minneapolis furnace repair.

When To Replace Your Furnace

Like we mentioned, it’s always wiser to replace a furnace if it’s older than the average lifespan of a heating system. Even if your old unit generally runs decently, rising inefficiency is inevitable when you continue to push an aging system, meaning you’ll spend more while getting continually worse heating in your home.

Beyond that, we suggest investing in a Minneapolis furnace replacement if your unit has visible damage, shows any signs of a gas leak (including gas odors in the home, which is considered an emergency), or if your heating costs keep going up despite keeping up with regular heating maintenance.

Comparing Costs: Repair vs. Replacement

Of course, we understand that cost is a major factor when deciding whether to replace or repair a furnace. Here’s what you need to know about the typical costs.

Furnace repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $100 for simple jobs like cleaning and tuning the ignition system to $3,000 or more for major repairs to the heat exchanger and other vital components. On the other hand, a new furnace installation in Minneapolis can cost between $2,000 and $11,000, depending on the size and type of system you choose.

At a glance, it seems like repairs are always the better option. But you have to think about this in the long term as well. While you might save money today by repairing your old, inefficient furnace instead of replacing it, that doesn’t factor in the extra money you’re wasting on every heating bill, or the next repair bill when something else breaks, or the next repair bill when the next thing breaks! 

Within just a couple of years, you’ll have spent close to the cost of a new unit in repairs and wasted energy. By investing in a new unit earlier, you improve reliability and safety, reduce energy costs thanks to modern efficiency standards, and you won’t have to shell out hundreds or thousands every few months when something breaks.

Energy Efficiency & Comfort Considerations

Efficiency and comfort should be your top considerations when deciding what to do about your furnace. If you invest in a modern, high-efficiency unit and keep up with regular maintenance, it could actually pay for itself in energy savings over the years. 

You should also balance cost considerations with your comfort. A furnace isn’t a cheap piece of equipment — nor should it be. Because ultimately, this is the system that keeps you warm and safe through our infamously intense winter storms. If anyone remembers the Big Mess snowstorm of 2023, you know just how serious winter can get in Minnesota. When the next cold snap hits, you’ll be thanking yourself for investing in a quality heating system.

Minneapolis-Specific Considerations

There are a few key considerations for Minneapolis homeowners to make when deciding whether to repair or replace their furnace. For one thing, our winters get extremely cold, and depending on your home, you may need a very powerful unit to keep up with the outdoor temperatures. Homes that are older, larger, and lacking in air sealing or insulation may need a unit with up to 100,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) to stay warm.

The other factor is efficiency. Winters can last up to five months in Minneapolis, which means heating costs will quickly add up if you’re using an inefficient system. This means it’s always worth paying more upfront in exchange for lower energy costs in the future. 

Plus, with our long, freezing winters, many furnaces simply don’t last as long as they would in a milder climate. For this reason, your unit may need replacement sooner than the national average lifespan of 15-20 years.

Local Incentives & Rebates

Minnesota utility companies offer a range of rebates and financial incentives for homeowners investing in high-efficiency heating. You’ll need to contact your specific utility provider for more information, but there are rebates and incentives available from Xcel Energy, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative, and others. A local HVAC tech can give you more info on potential rebates you could qualify for with a new system.

When To Call a Professional HVAC Technician

If you’re dealing with a furnace issue, leave it to the pros. With such intense winters, homeowners in Minneapolis don’t want to risk a heating shutdown when they need their furnace most. A technician can thoroughly assess the system, make any repairs if possible, or recommend installing a new system, ensuring your unit is ready to serve you all winter long.

Stay Warm with Dean’s Home Services

If you’re looking for more info on whether it’s time to replace your furnace or if it can last a few more years with professional repairs, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an HVAC service appointment!