Should I repair or replace my furnace?
If the repair quote exceeds 50% of a new furnace AND the unit is over 12 years old, replacement is almost always cheaper over a 5-year horizon. Under 8 years old, repair. In between, it depends on the specific part and efficiency rating.
If the repair quote exceeds 50% of a new furnace AND the unit is over 12 years old, replacement is almost always cheaper over a 5-year horizon. Under 8 years old, repair. In between, it depends on the specific part and efficiency rating.
A simple rule-of-thumb: multiply the age of the furnace by the repair quote. If that number is over $5,000, replacement is usually the better 5-year economic choice.
A 12-year-old furnace with a $500 repair ($6,000) is on the edge; an 8-year-old furnace with a $700 repair ($5,600) still leans toward repair because of remaining useful life. The other big lever is what's failing — an igniter or pressure switch is cheap.
A cracked heat exchanger or a seized inducer motor on an old furnace is almost always a replace. We give you both quotes side-by-side and show you the actual math, not a sales pitch.
Need help with this at your home?
In-home estimates for new equipment are always free. Repair diagnostics are $79 for HVAC or $39 for plumbing & electrical — waived when you approve the repair.
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Last reviewed April 1, 2026.