When it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable during the cold winter months, a working furnace is a must. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to furnaces; however, for most homeowners furnace replacement is something that they don't consider until their furnace breaks. While you may not spend much time thinking about your furnace, if it is old or if it is not working as well as it used to, there are a few things that you should consider. Here is what you should know about your old furnace.

Average Lifespan

The first thing that you should be aware of is that furnaces don't last forever. Even with proper care and maintenance, your furnace will eventually reach the end of its lifespan. As your furnace ages, you may want to start preparing for replacement down the road. The average lifespan for a furnace is between 15 and 20 years. While proper care and maintenance can extend your furnace's lifespan, once it reaches 15 years of age, it's likely that replacement is on the horizon. 

The Cost of Repair

As your furnace gets older you may find that it needs repair more often. The cost of furnace repair varies depending on what issues need to be fixed, the type of furnace you have, and the cost of furnace repair services. On average furnace repairs range in price from $160 to $400. If your older furnace requires frequent repairs, it may be more cost effective to replace it with a newer model. However, if the cost of repair is still affordable, you may be able to hold off on replacement for a while longer.

The Cost of Replacement

Even if you do not plan on replacing your furnace in the near future, it's still a good idea to know how much replacement will cost. On average you can expect to pay between $2,523 and $6,069 for a new furnace. There are a variety of options to choose from, but most homeowners use either a gas furnace or an electric furnace. New furnaces also tend to be more energy efficient and can lead to some savings on your energy bills. It's important to take this into account when looking at replacement furnaces.

If you have an old furnace in your home, there are a few things to consider. Furnaces typically last between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is over 15 years old, replacement is likely going to be needed within a few years. Older furnaces also may need repair more often. While repair is often more cost effective than replacement in the short term, it's important to weigh the costs of multiple furnace repairs versus the cost of furnace replacement. For more information, visit sites such as http://www.cblucashvac.com.