A common question we get from homeowners is, “When does my heating system need a tune-up, a repair, or a replacement?” The first part of the question is easy: heating systems need maintenance every year. And unfortunately, a tune-up is not sufficient for a neglected heating system that needs repair. It’s knowing when to invest in a heating repair vs investing in a new system that gets tricky.
Homeowners can always count on us for a personal and professional opinion on this. However, there are some general guidelines that will clarify this dilemma for homeowners. Let’s dive into the topic of when to repair, when to tune up, and when to opt for a heating replacement in Cumming, GA.
When should you tune up, repair, or replace your heating system?
- Tune-Up: Schedule annually before heating season to keep the system efficient and prevent breakdowns.
- Repair: If the system is relatively new and the repair cost is minor, a fix is often the best value.
- Replace: Use the $5,000 rule, multiply the system’s age by the repair cost. If it exceeds $5,000 or the repair is more than half the cost of a new system, replacement is the smarter option.
Key Signs Your Heating System Needs a Tune-Up
Heating tune-ups should be scheduled every year if you have a furnace and twice a year if you use a heat pump or mini split to heat your home. Ideally, heating maintenance is scheduled before the heating season begins (usually in the fall), but a system will benefit from maintenance any time of year if it hasn’t had the service regularly. If you’re overdue, it’s a good idea to schedule your heating tune-up as soon as possible to prevent long-term performance issues.
Heating tune-ups should be seen as an essential service, not an optional one, for two huge reasons:
- The 10–15 year lifespan of a heating system only applies to units that receive regular heating system maintenance.
- Heating tune-ups are the best way to avoid unexpected repairs because they keep your system running efficiently and give our technicians an opportunity to catch small issues. This proactive care also helps extend your furnace’s lifespan by minimizing unnecessary wear and tear.
When Should You Call for Heating Repair Services?
Heating systems will need repairs throughout their lifespan as wear and tear and the aging process take a toll. Homeowners often wonder if a tune-up can be done instead of a repair. However, tune-ups are generally for systems that aren’t experiencing issues. Regular maintenance can guard against repairs, but can’t replace the need for a repair.
When to Replace Your Heating System Instead of Repairing It
Although our technicians can always give you a personalized, honest recommendation on whether your heating system can get by with a repair or should be replaced, there are two rules homeowners should know about that can give them a general answer. Keep in mind that these rules are general guidelines and not hard-and-fast rules to follow. If it turns out your system can’t make it through the season, we’ll help you decide what to replace it with based on your home’s needs and energy goals.
The first rule is called the rule of $5,000. You will need to know how old your heating system is to apply this rule. Multiply the age of your heating system in years by the cost of the repair estimate. If the amount is under $5,000, get the repair. If the amount is over $5,000, get a replacement.
For example, if your heating system is 9 years old and the repair is $600, that’s $5400. In this case, a repair is not worth it.
The other rule is called the 50% rule. The 50% rule of thumb states that if a repair estimate is more than half of what it would cost to replace the heating system, you should go with a new system.
You can always count on us for an honest opinion on when to repair or replace a heating system.
Don’t Go Nuts—Call Cheeky! Contact DC Cheek Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today for heating replacement in Cumming, GA.
