If your furnace isn’t working as well as it used to, it may need repair. In some cases, a broken furnace can’t be repaired and will need to be replaced, instead. So, how do you know which of those two options is best? What should you be looking for when it comes to repairing or replacing your furnace? Here are a few of the most common warning signs to consider, so you can make the right choice and keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter months.

Not Heating Like It Used To

If you need to repair or replace furnace components, or the entire system needs replacement, it could be because it’s just not heating the way it should. Especially if you have an older furnace, it may simply be wearing out. That could result in a reduced amount of heat, or air coming from the vents that’s not as warm as it should be. Furnaces of the past aren’t as efficient as newer ones, and what they’re able to do can diminish over time.

Spending A Lot On Repairs

One big reason to consider replacing your furnace is spending a lot to keep it in working order. It’s natural to have some furnace repairs as it ages, but that doesn’t mean you should have to spend a lot of money to keep it running every year. If it seems to be breaking down quite frequently, and you’re not happy about the amount of money repairs are costing you, getting it replaced may be the answer. It’s a bigger upfront expense, but can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Your Power Bill Is Climbing

A rising power bill is another warning sign that your furnace might need to be repaired or replaced. When a furnace starts wearing out, or a component is going bad, it may require a lot more energy to keep working. That means your bill will rise, even if you’re not getting any additional heat from it. Even if your home feels comfortable and your furnace doesn’t appear to be failing, you should get it checked out if your power bill is going up.

Odd Noises Or Smells

A furnace that makes odd sounds, or that produces a smell, should definitely be investigated for problems. You should expect your furnace to make some noise when it cycles on and off, and it may smell a little bit dusty if you turn it on after not using it for a while. Other than that, though, you really shouldn’t notice that it’s operating. It should provide you with quiet, neutral-smelling, consistent heat. If it’s not doing that, a repair or replacement may be in order.

The Unit Won’t Turn On At All

A non-working furnace needs repair or replacement. It could be something as simple as a fuse or capacitor, or the motor or other large components could have failed. No matter what’s causing it, though, you want to get it fixed. When you know what the problem is you can decide whether it’s getting to repair it or replace it. That will depend on the cost, of course, but also on the age of your furnace, the time it will take to get it working again, and other factors.

Working With A Technician Can Help

The best way to determine if your furnace needs repair or replacement is to work with a technician. They can diagnose the issue, explain the problem, and talk about your options. Then, you can decide what’s right for your needs, and make the best choice for your budget and comfort. Whether your furnace needs a simple repair or a total replacement, understanding the problem and the possible solutions helps make deciding what’s right easier, so you can be comfortable in your home again.