When your furnace starts acting up during a Saskatoon winter, you face an important decision: should you repair your furnace or replace it altogether? The choice isn’t always easy, and it often depends on your system’s age, repair history, and overall efficiency. Let’s break down the key factors so you can make the best decision for your home.
When Furnace Repair Makes Sense
In many cases, a repair is all that’s needed to get your heating system running smoothly again. Furnace repair may be the better option if:
- Your furnace is under 10 years old. Modern furnaces are built to last 15–20 years with proper maintenance.
- The repair cost is minor. Small fixes like a faulty thermostat, ignitor, or fan motor are usually worth repairing.
- You’ve had minimal past issues. If your furnace rarely breaks down, a one-time repair is usually more cost-effective.
- Energy bills haven’t spiked significantly. If your furnace is still operating efficiently, repairing instead of replacing makes sense.
When Furnace Replacement Is the Smarter Choice
Sometimes repairs only provide a temporary solution, and replacement is the better long-term investment. You should consider furnace replacement if:
- Your furnace is 15+ years old. Most furnaces start declining in performance after this point.
- Repairs are frequent and costly. If you’ve had multiple service calls in recent years, replacement is more economical.
- Energy efficiency is low. Older furnaces often have 60–70% efficiency, while new models can reach 95%+.
- Heating is uneven. Cold spots in your home may indicate your furnace can no longer keep up.
The Cost Factor: Repair vs. Replacement
- Repair costs can range from $200–$1,500 depending on the part and complexity.
- Replacement costs in Saskatoon typically range from $4,000–$8,000, but high-efficiency units save on monthly bills.
A good rule of thumb: if the repair cost is 50% or more of the cost of a new furnace, replacement is the better choice.
Why Work With a Professional HVAC Company
Making the repair vs. replacement decision isn’t always straightforward. A trusted Saskatoon HVAC company like Pro Service Mechanical can:
- Inspect your furnace and provide an honest recommendation
- Offer transparent repair and replacement estimates
- Ensure safe, efficient installation if replacement is needed
- Provide ongoing maintenance to extend the life of your system
The Bottom Line
Choosing between furnace repair and furnace replacement depends on your furnace’s age, condition, and efficiency. If your furnace is newer and the repair is minor, fixing it is usually the right call. But if your system is old, inefficient, and frequently breaking down, replacement provides better comfort, energy savings, and peace of mind.
