Every winter we get the same call: the furnace is making a noise, it isn't keeping up, and the homeowner wants to know whether to fix it or replace it. There is no universal answer, but there is a useful way to think about it.
Start with age. Most gas furnaces last 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Under ten years old, repair is usually the right call. Past fifteen, every repair should be weighed against the cost of a new, far more efficient unit.
Next, look at repair history. One repair in a decade is normal. Two or three in two years signals a system that is wearing out, and the next failure is rarely the last.
Finally, consider comfort and efficiency. If certain rooms never get warm, or your gas bills climb every year while usage stays flat, a properly sized replacement often pays back a meaningful share of its cost through lower operating expense.
When we quote a replacement, we run the numbers on your actual home rather than a rule of thumb. If a repair is the smarter move, we will tell you that too.
Need a hand with your system?
MRT HVAC serves Greater Pittsburgh with repairs, replacements and 24/7 emergency service.