Furnace Replacement vs. Furnace Repair for Your La Porte Home

As a homeowner in La Porte, keeping your furnace in the best possible shape is crucial for staying warm, especially during the harshest winter cold in the Midwest. This means maintaining and servicing your furnace when needed.

However, even the most rigid maintenance schedule will not keep an aging furnace from acting up and eventually failing. So, how do you know whether to repair or invest in a full replacement?

In most cases, weighing the cost, efficiency, unit age, and home comfort is important. Doing this can help you make the right decision.

If you need a little more help deciding, keep reading. The following guide explores the pros and cons of furnace repair vs. replacement and what you should consider.

Whether you choose to repair or replace the furnace in your La Porte home, Summers PHC can help. We offer you a FREE service call with any paid repair you book! (Limited-time offer).

Top Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

You do not always need to replace your furnace if you notice issues. Sometimes, a good repair can make all the difference. Remember that this still depends on how old and well-maintained your furnace is.

If you experience any of the following, consult a professional HVAC technician:

• Uneven heating in your home. This means that some rooms will feel warmer or colder than others.
• Unexpected noises. You may hear your unit’s whistling, squealing, banging, or rattling sounds.
• Short cycling. Your furnace may turn on and off too frequently.
• Increased utility bills. This refers to a spike in heating costs for no apparent reason.
• Weak airflow. Your furnace’s vents struggle to deliver consistent air circulation.
• Pilot light issues. You may see a yellow or flickering pilot light instead of a blue flame in your gas furnace.
• Thermostat problems. Your furnace does not respond to temperature adjustments.

It will be the best temporary option if your furnace is under 10 years old and the repairs are minor. It will most likely also be the cheaper option.

Definitive Signs You Need to Replace Your Furnace

In some cases, repairing an aging furnace is not the best solution. The following signs indicate that a replacement is a better investment:

• Your furnace is approaching 15 to 20 years. Older furnaces are inevitably less efficient. The older they get, they will also become more prone to constant breakdowns.
• Costly, frequent repairs. If your old furnace keeps breaking down, you will spend a lot to keep it going. Calling a technician several times throughout winter can quickly deplete your budget.
• Terrible indoor air quality. If you already suffer from respiratory issues or allergies, dirty indoor air won’t help. When your furnace stops working effectively, you will have more dust and higher humidity levels in your home. You will likely notice a worsening of your symptoms as well.
• Carbon monoxide concerns. If you suspect a crack in your furnace’s heat exchanger, it can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. If gas is already leaking into your home, turn the power off and get outside while waiting for help.

The Cost of Repairs vs. Replacement

The cost of repairing a furnace depends on how severe the problem is. The following is a general breakdown of common repairs.

• Thermostat replacement – up to $550
• Blower motor repair – up to $600
• Flame sensor replacement – up to $250
• Heat exchanger repair – up to $5,000
• Ignitor replacement – up to $300

Generally speaking, you should replace instead of repair if the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new furnace.

Furnace Replacement Costs in La Porte

In La Porte, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,500 for a new furnace. The final cost will depend on your chosen brand, the unit’s efficiency, and how difficult installation is.

It may be a significant upfront investment, but it pays for itself over time. You will enjoy better heating in your home while paying less on your utility bills. You also will not have to pay a lot of money for repairs.

Energy Efficiency of Your New Furnace

Your new furnace will be more energy-efficient than the old one. If you choose a recent model, it will be even more efficient.

Most high-efficiency furnaces operate at 90-98% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This is compared to very old models that potentially run below 80% AFUE.

This means you get more heat from the same amount of fuel with a new furnace. You can lower your energy consumption and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

Moreover, if you replace your furnace with an Energy Star-certified model in 2025, you may be eligible for tax credits and rebates.

Choosing a Furnace for Your La Porte Home

You want to choose a furnace with a 90%+ AFUE rating if you want to maximize your energy savings. Combine this energy rating with a natural gas system if you want the most cost-effective furnace. Consult an HVAC professional for the right size and capacity to suit your home.

If you are unsure whether to repair or replace your furnace, an HVAC technician can perform a thorough inspection. The technician will provide you with estimates for repair and replacement so you can work out which will suit your budget best.

Making a Final Decision

The easiest way to make a decision is to keep it simple. If your furnace is not yet 10 years old and a repair will not cost you a lot of money, go with a fix. If your furnace is old and keeps breaking down, opt for a replacement.

Get Expert Furnace Services From Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

The certified Summers PHC team can advise you on the maintenance, services, and installation of your furnace. To keep your La Porte home warm and comfortable when you need it most, call 219-797-6185 or book a service online. You can also take advantage of our local specials.