Should I Repair Or Replace My Furnace?

Finding out that your furnace is broken is a painful feeling. You know that it’s going to cost money, and your home may be a bit frigid in the meantime. You are also faced with the questions of is it time to repair or replace my furnace? There are a few key factors that go into that decision. 

In my years of experience working with furnaces, I’ve seen all kinds of broken down systems, and even though all are similar, there are unique factors that help make the decision of repair vs replace. 

In this article, I’ll go over the key factors. If you have any questions, please give us a call, or contact us online to speak to an expert about your broken heating system! 

Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Furnace

Just because your furnace stops working does not mean it needs to be replaced right away. There are a few factors that play a big role in the decision of repairing vs replacing your furnace. 

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Frequent Breakdowns

If your furnace is constantly breaking down, it might be time to consider a replacement. Even if the repairs are small, once they start to pile up, it could turn into a more expensive proposition to keep it. Frequent repairs being needed also indicate that your system may be nearing the end of its lifespan. 

Your System Is Old

The average lifespan of a furnace is about 15-20 years, if you keep it properly maintained. If your system is approaching or has surpassed this age, its efficiency and performance are likely diminishing as well. Just because it was working, doesn’t mean it was working well. Older furnaces tend to be less energy-efficient, which leads to extra energy consumption, and more money being spent unnecessarily on energy bills. 

Your Furnace Isn’t Properly Heating

If your furnace struggles to maintain a consistent temperature or some rooms are warmer than others, it might be a sign that your furnace is no longer able to distribute heat effectively throughout your home. This could mean a problem with your furnace, your thermostat, or your ducts. Once a professional has a look, they should be able to tell you what the root of the problem is. 

Your Energy Bills Are Too High

An unexpected increase in your energy bills can be a sign that your furnace is losing efficiency. As furnaces age, they often require more energy to produce the same amount of heat, leading to higher utility costs. 

This is another one to consult with a professional about. If the system is towards the end of its life anyway, you may be spending more money in the long run by holding onto the last gasps of your furnace’s lifespan. Instead, a newer furnace may come with an initial upfront cost, but over the years of heating your home, will use less energy, and cost you less in the long run, while improving your home comfort. 

The Repair Is Very Expensive

If a repair is going to cost a significant portion of the price of a new furnace, it might be more economical in the long run to invest in a new, more energy efficient system. We generally recommend considering  a new furnace once the price of a repair reaches $1000+. You don’t want to sink money into a failing system that is likely going to have to be replaced in a year or 2 anyway! 

The Process Of A Furnace Replacement

When Should You Repair Your Furnace

Now that we have covered some situations where you should replace your furnace, here are a few that we would recommend a repair with. 

Breakdowns Aren’t Too Frequent

If this is the first time that you need a repair, or maybe you haven’t had to have it repaired in a while, stick with the repair. As long as your system isn’t too old, and the repair isn’t too expensive, go for it!

Your System Is Newer

For a newer furnace, especially one still under warranty, repairs are often the best route. Newer systems generally don’t have as many problems, but if they do, it’s generally something smaller that can be taken care of quickly. 

The Repair Is Inexpensive

Minor repairs, like replacing a thermostat or fixing a single component, can be quick and cheap. If the repair is not going to cost you too much money, and it’s not just a bandaid, then go with the repair! 

A Furnace Replacement In Seneca, SC

Common Furnace Problems

Here are a few of the most common problems furnaces can run into, and what you should do to fix it. 

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter is a common issue that can reduce airflow and energy efficiency. It also can make the air inside your home dirtier. You should change your air filter every few months to keep the system clean and clear.

This is something you can do on your own, or have a professional take care of it when they perform regular maintenance. 

Broken Fan/Blower

The fan or blower is essential for circulating air throughout your home. If this component fails, it can lead to uneven heating. Depending on the age and condition of your furnace, repairing a broken fan or blower might be more reasonable than a full replacement. We recommend getting a quote, and having a conversation with your HVAC technician if this is a sign of more issues to come, or this fix will hold you over for the long haul! 

Read More: Check Out Our Case Study Library!

Cracked Heat Exchanger

A cracked heat exchanger is a serious issue that can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks, a VERY serious issue. This is usually a case where a replacement is needed, especially if the furnace is an older model. Replacing a heat exchanger can be very expensive as well. We recommend taking a look at upgrades and replacements for your furnace. 

Replacing Your Furnace In Greenville, SC

If you're in Greenville, SC, and facing the decision to repair or replace your furnace, Blue Ridge Heating And Air can help you out.  We have experts that have been working in homes and businesses for years, making sure that the entire space is comfortable all year long. 

When selecting a new furnace, one of our experts can help you consider factors like energy efficiency ratings, size, and the type of furnace that best suits your home. We make sure that we pick the RIGHT system for your home, that has the right combination of size, efficiency, and cost.

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A Multi-Zone Ductless Mini Split System In Brevard, NC

The owners of this stick build home in Brevard were looking for additional comfort in both the winter and summer. They were using Monitor oil heat, along with electric baseboards to heat their home, and they were relying on window air conditioners in the summer. 

They gave us a call here at Blue Ridge Heating and Air to see what we could do to upgrade their home comfort, and also help them keep the energy bills under control. The first thing we did was evaluating their current system, and see what we could improve.

Problem: Homeowner contacted us, looking for other options to heat and cool their home- they were using baseboard heating, Monitor oil heat and window air conditioners.

Solution: A two zone Mitsubishi Hyperheat Ductless system will help keep the family warm in the winter and cool in the summer- and save money on their energy bills each month!

Schedule A Free Mini Split Consultation

The Oil Heat/Space Heater Problem

Monitor Oil heaters use kerosene for fuel, and it’s important to keep the heater on an outside wall and ventilated- it has to draw outside air in for combustion. They work on the general principle of hot air rising, so they are often placed in the basement, but without ductwork in a house, air flow may not give you even heating in every room in the house. That leaves you feeling hot and cold as you make your way through the home. Toi solve this, people often crank up the temperature, which just leaves you with warm and hotter spots, while wasting a lot of energy, and costing you money.

Window Air Conditioners- Pros and Cons

While window air conditioners usually cost only a couple hundred dollars, and you can install them yourself, they have issues. Namely you need more than one to keep your home comfortable, and the costs add up- as do the downsides!

• Window air conditioners are heavy and bulky, and take up a window in your home for a good portion of the year.  

• You always have to guess the right time to install the unit for the season, and when to put it in storage for the Winter- and that can leave you sweating when we have those unexpectedly warm days in late Fall, or freezing on cold snap days in Spring.

• They tend to be inefficient energy hogs.

• They’re noisy!

• They often don’t do a very good job of distributing cool air evenly through your home, giving you warm and cold spots throughout. Sitting in front of one can freeze you out of the room.

In addition, if you don’t install they correctly and store them correctly, you can get a buildup of mold and mildew which can make you sick, and really reduce your indoor air quality.

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Mitsubishi Ductless to the Rescue!

When we met the Homeowners and saw their home, it was clear that a Mitsubishi Hyperheat ductless system would be a great way to add both heating and cooling to the home, while adding efficiency to keep their energy bills under control!

Mitsubishi Ductless systems consist of two main parts- an outdoor condenser unit, and indoor cassettes, often mounted up on a wall. The outdoor high-efficiency heat pump can deliver both heating and cooling to up to 8 indoor units or cassettes. Each indoor cassette can be independently controlled, creating separate zones of heating and cooling wherever they are placed!

Since each indoor unit can be controlled independently, it means you have a lot more control of your comfort- and people in the living room can set the comfort level differently that someone in the bedroom- making sure everyone gets the comfort they crave when they need it.

Another great feature of Mitsubishi ductless heat pump is that they are whisper quiet. That makes them a great option to heat or cool master bedrooms, family rooms and other areas where family gathers. This also became very popular as an option for a home office during the pandemic. That means whether you are having a movie night, or just looking for a peaceful night’s sleep, the quiet Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling system can deliver for you!

Energy Efficiency and Control

For this home, we suggested 2 zones of heating and cooling. We installed one indoor head that would heat and cool the main Kitchen and family room area, and one for the master bedroom. With the layout of the home, and by placing the units up on a wall, the indoor units use their advanced sensors to monitor both heat and humidity in the room, and make the adjustments necessary to ensure complete comfort. The units distribute the heated or cooled air throughout the whole room, eliminating those hot and cold spots you get with other options.

Best of all, Mitsubishi ductless is highly efficient- up to 70% more efficient than electric baseboards, and up to 30% more efficient than window air conditioners. That means the systems use a lot less energy to operate, and than leads you to big savings every month on your energy bills- something every homeowner can appreciate.

Read About Another Installation In Brevard, NC

Savings and Rebates

Because these systems are so energy efficient, they qualify for rebates from Duke Energy AND tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, up to $2,000 depending on the installation. That helps make upgrading the heating and cooling in your home even more affordable up front- but the real benefit you'll see every month, winter and summer, with smaller energy bills!

Our homeowners were thrilled with the outcome, and are already enjoying the comfort and the savings each month, especially as the weather changes here in the Carolinas.

Are You Running Hot and Cold?

Is your heating and cooling system leaving you hot and cold? Do you have portions of your home that are never really comfortable? Are you dealing with high energy bills each month, and thinking there has to be a better way?

If so, give us a call here at Blue Ridge Heating and Air. We’re happy to come out, inspect your current system, and see whether a simple tune up or a supplemental heating and cooling system might be exactly what you need.  And now with rebates and tax credits available, it may be more affordable than ever- give us a call for more information!

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Choose A Mini Split For A Garage: Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide

Most garages are designed without heating and air conditioning in mind. It's typically a storage space, and one that people don't spend time in. But, if you DO want to use your garage as a workspace, a living space, maybe an office, you'll want to have it comfortable all year long. We recommend a mini split for a garage in Brevard, NC to keep it cool in the summer, and warm in the winter.

I have worked in all sorts of homes in the area, and in my years, I've seen more and more homeowners turn their garage into a comfortable living space. We recommend a garage mini split to moderate the temperature, and insulation to help maintain it. Without proper insulation, this can waste energy and lead to discomfort even with a mini split.

In this article, I'll go over how mini splits work, the cost to install a mini split, and other great spots you may want to install a mini split around your home. If you are looking for help with your home comfort, give us a call or click here to contact us online. We can help you assess the situation in your home, and make the right recommendation to keep you comfortable!

Learn More About Ductless Mini Splits

How Mini Splits Work

Ductless mini split systems have become increasingly popular for their efficiency and ease of installation. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, mini splits do not require extensive ductwork. Instead, they consist of an outdoor condenser connected to one or more indoor units via small conduits. These systems offer both heating and cooling, making them great to use as supplements for sunrooms, bedrooms, basements, and garages!

Single-Zone Vs. Multi-Zone

When it comes to keeping your garage comfortable, you will almost definitely only need a single-zone system. Ductless mini splits are broken down into zones, and can be spread around your home. For most garages, a single zone should do the trick, but you can always add zones around the home if you choose to do so. This is a great way to save energy, and customize the comfort around your home. You could have one bedroom at 73, another at 68, and the garage turned off to save energy.

Average Cost to Install a Mini Split in The Garage

The cost of installing a mini split in a garage can vary based on a few factors. What brand and model you decide to install, how energy efficient it is, and the layout of the garage all factor into the cost. At Blue Ridge heating and air conditioning, the cost of a ductless mini split installation starts around $4900 and goes from there. Luckily, there are rebates and tax credits usually available for energy efficient equipment like ductless mini splits.

Cost Of A Ductless Mini Split

Can I Put A Mini Split In My Garage?

Yes, you can install a mini split in your garage. As we mentioned, most garages are designed without heating and cooling in mind. The ducts don't reach there, and it's typically not insulated like the rest of the home. By choosing a mini split for your garage, you can create a comfortable environment for more long term activities in the garage, like using it as a home gym, or a workspace.

Why A Mini Split In A Garage Is Worth It

Ductless mini splits are perfect for a garage, especially if you want to use it all year long. These systems both heat and cool. A window AC is almost impossible as most garages don't have windows, and that only works for the summer anyways.

A ductless mini split in your garage will also add value to the home. It's a significant investment, and one that expands the livable space a home has. If you decide to sell or rent your home, this should help with the price tag.

Installing Ductless In A Greer, NC Garage

Professional Vs. DIY Garage Mini Split Installation

While some homeowners may consider DIY installation to save costs, professional installation is recommended for a mini split system. Professionals ensure proper setup, maximizing efficiency and lifespan, and also have the permits and licenses you need to work with some of this equipment.

A professional can also help you select the right model for your specific needs and garage size, while getting the best discounts available.

What To Expect The Day You Install A Mini Split In Your Garage

On the day of installation, the professional will mount the indoor unit, connect it to the outdoor unit, and ensure everything is functioning correctly. The process typically takes a few hours, depending on the complexity of the installation. A single zone system like this should be a fairly simple task to complete.

Other Single-Zone Ductless Applications

Besides garages, mini splits are also suitable for other single-zone applications. They are perfect for spaces where traditional ducted systems are impractical or too expensive to install. We've installed plenty of whole home solutions when it comes to mini splits, but there are also cases where we add a mini split as a supplement somewhere around the house.

Sunrooms

Sunrooms often require independent temperature control due to their extensive glass exposure. They are also usually an addition to a home, built after the original HVAC system was installed. A mini split can provide efficient heating and cooling in these spaces.

Read More: Installing A Ductless Mini Split In A Brevard, NC Sunroom

In-Law Suites

For in-law suites, which may not be connected to the central HVAC system, mini splits offer an ideal solution for year round comfort. No window ACs or space heaters needed.

Bedrooms

Installing a mini split in bedrooms can provide personalized climate control for better sleep quality and comfort. This helps you stop fights over the thermostat, and actually save money on energy bills.

Mini Split for a Garage FAQs

Is it ever too cold to run a mini split?

Modern mini splits are designed to operate efficiently even in extremely cold temperatures, often as low as -15°F. However, efficiency may decrease in extreme cold, just as any heating system would. We can help you choose the right model for your situation.

Do mini splits use a lot of electricity?

No, mini splits are known for their energy efficiency. They use less electricity compared to traditional HVAC systems, leading to lower energy bills, and a lower carbon footprint.

Are mini splits high maintenance?

Mini splits require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning of filters and occasional checks by a professional can keep them running efficiently for years. We recommend service once a year, with DIY filter cleaning and replacing every few months.