What will an AC or furnace replacement cost?
If your furnace and AC just died out, there are some tough decisions that you are undoubtedly facing:
- Should you just replace the whole unit or go for repairs to keep it running for as long as it lasts?
- Should you go for a separate furnace unit and a separate AC unit or opt for the Comfort System that comprises the furnace and the AC as a single unit?
- Should you go for a bigger unit or a smaller one, is a replacement is the way to go?
- But most important of all, how much would the replacement or repair cost you?
With the weather in Colorado Springs as it is, living without a furnace in the cold weather or without an AC in summers is most certainly out of question. The tougher decision is whether to go for minor repairs which may vary from $400 to $2,000 or to replace the unit which may set you back by anywhere between $7,500 and $12,000 depending on the size, the brand and the efficiency of the unit. To answer this question, you need to first know that the life of Furnace and AC unit is anywhere between 12-18 years. If your unit was installed before the year 2000 then it might be a better option to replace the furnace. The decision to repair or replace should also depend on how often has the unit been repaired in the last few years. If there have been only a few minor repairs, then the unit may be good to go for a few more years. However, if you have been regularly calling the technician and spending a few hundred dollars each time, then replacement is the best option.
Prices and options of the new systems will vary depending on the brand, efficiency, installation and maintenance costs, among others. The lowest priced unit in the market may not be the best one for you because installing that could actually increase your annual energy bills. Also, check the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) which tells you how efficiently your unit will heat or cool your house. SEER rating of 13 is the least that you should look for, and a rating of 16 means that it is a highly efficient system. You may have to pay $2000 to $3000 extra for such a system, but that cost will be recovered within a few years as lower utility bills.
Do ask for discounts and rebates which are offered from time to time before finalising your purchase, as sometimes these can add up to as much as $2000!
