If your furnace is beyond its expected life or it's starting to need frequent repairs, talk to a furnace contractor about whether it's time to replace the furnace or if you can get through the winter by putting more money into repairs. This decision is often based on the type of repairs that are needed and their cost. Here are some things to consider when you're debating about getting a new furnace during cold weather.

The Installation Could Cost More In The Winter

Furnace companies are busy during the winter making repairs and fielding emergency calls, since going without heat can be dangerous. While heating installation can be done during the winter, you'll probably pay more then since technicians are so busy. If cost is an important issue, scheduling your new furnace installation for summer might be a better choice, but you'll have to decide if it's worth taking the risk that your old furnace will survive through the winter.

A Replacement May Be Necessary For Safety

If your furnace develops a crack in the heat exchanger that allows carbon monoxide to leak, then something has to be done right away. You can't use a furnace with that problem, and you'll have to go without heat or rely on dangerous space heaters if you don't have the furnace repaired or replaced. The problem with a cracked or bad heat exchanger is that the repairs are so costly, it's often better to get a new furnace when your current furnace old. When your furnace has a problem that makes it a danger to your family or house, then you can't really put off getting a new furnace unless you have safe and reliable alternative heat.

If You Can Make Alternative Living Arrangements

If you have the choice of waiting or installing a furnace in the winter, one thing that might factor into your decision is your comfort. You probably don't want to stay in your home for a day or night without heat when it's cold outside. If you can move your family elsewhere while the work is going on, then that will make the decision to replace your furnace in the winter easier.

When You're Tired Of Sinking Money Into Repairs

If your furnace is so old or neglected that it keeps breaking down, then there may be a point where you refuse to sink more money into repairs. Talk to your contractor about the cost and benefits of heating installation compared to putting in more money to get the furnace through the winter. You may decide the furnace has finally forced you into a replacement, even though it may be an inconvenient time for you and the installers. Contact a company like Always Ready Repair for more information.