Should You Replace or Repair Your Furnace in Alton, IL?

A furnace can last 15 to 30 years before you need to replace it. It’s not always easy to determine if you need to replace the furnace in your Alton, IL home or simply call for repairs. Read on to learn whether you should replace or repair your furnace.

Is the Combustion Chamber Cracked?

When the combustion chamber cracks, carbon monoxide leaks into your home. This type of problem requires immediate furnace replacement.

Although you should have a carbon monoxide detector set up in your home, signs of carbon monoxide leaks are soot around the furnace, no upward draft in the chimney and rusting pipes. You or others in your household may experience physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms.

Is the Cost of Repair Half the Cost of Replacement?

Check how much it would cost you to replace your furnace in Alton, IL. If the repairs would cost more than half the cost of a new unit, then you should replace the furnace.

This is even more important when the furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan. Heating systems tend to break down more frequently at the end of their life. When your furnace has exceeded 75% of its expected lifespan, then you should replace it if the repair costs are even one-third of the cost of replacement.

Is the Furnace Over 15 Years Old?

By the time your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s usually best to replace it. Old furnaces are susceptible to frequent repair needs. Expensive problems tend to occur with old furnaces as well.

Making the decision to repair or replace your furnace in Alton, IL, is easy when you ask yourself these three questions. Contact us at Den-Son Inc. Cooling & Heating to schedule a furnace replacement or repair, depending on which suits your needs.

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