The holidays are coming, and friends and family are counting on the comforts of home. If you have an older heating system that’s been acting up—or not keeping up—it might need some help to get you through the winter. But when should you stop spending money on repairs and just add a new furnace to your wishlist? A Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer like S&R Heating & Cooling can do a thorough inspection and give you honest advice based on the age of your furnace, the cost of repair, and how much money a more efficient system will save you. These are the factors we consider so you can make an informed decision:

Safety first—if the problem presents a safety hazard, replacement is a no-brainer. For example, if your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger—the metal wall between the burning fuel and the air it’s heating—poisonous carbon monoxide gas could work its way into your home’s air supply, so don’t risk putting your family in danger.

Do the math—according to the National Association of Home Builders, furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years. However, if your unit is more than 12 years old, you should weigh your options carefully. Ask S&R for estimates so you can compare costs. As a general guideline, consider replacement if the equipment is beyond three-quarters of its life expectancy and repairs will cost more than a third of replacement.

Efficiency adds up—in these days of high energy costs, it’s important to consider not just the price of the unit, but also what you’ll pay every month to operate it. Research shows that upgrading to a new, high-efficiency furnace can cut your monthly heating costs by up to 20 percent, which means you could recoup the extra investment in just a few years while enjoying reliable comfort. S&R can also provide information on current utility incentives, tax credits, and manufacturer’s rebates to save you even more.

Give Us a Jingle This Holiday Season

Replacing a furnace is a big decision, and it can be even more daunting around the holidays, when you’d probably rather spend your money on gifts, entertaining, or travel. The experts at S&R can help make this decision a little easier. We are happy to walk you through all the options, and explain whether your furnace can be repaired or if it makes more sense to replace it. Should you decide to purchase and install a new system, our techs will handle everything, from sizing to final cleanup of your home.

Contact S&R if you have any questions or concerns. We know this time of year can be hectic, but trust us for convenient appointments or emergency service. From all of us to you and yours, warm wishes for happy holidays!