When your central air conditioning system finally quits working, it’t a huge inconvenience. You’ll have to find other ways to keep your home cool and comfortable during the rest of the year. If your old furnace is broken, it will be even more of a challenge. That’s why it’s important to keep your furnace working for as long as possible, even if it’s not in tip-top shape. If your current system is over 10 years old, it’s probably time to consider repairing it rather than replacing it with a new model.Repairing an old furnace isn’t as simple as throwing a new thermostat in the attic and hoping for the best. If your system is more than two decades old, it could have serious design flaws that will make it harder to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. If you need to repair an older furnace, here’s how you can do it right.

Assessing the situation

If you’re thinking about repairing an old furnace, the first thing you need to do is make sure it’s actually broken. It’s easy to assume that a system that has been working for decades is still in good shape, but the truth is that a worn-out furnace is probably a safety hazard. If your unit has been running poorly for months or years, it’s probably time to get it fixed.There are some signs that will help you determine if your system is beyond repair. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t reading the correct temperature, you should schedule an appointment with a technician as soon as possible. Other signs that your system may be broken include recurring issues with your A/C unit, loud noises when the unit is running, or frost buildup on the unit’s coils.If you’ve checked all the boxes and your system still isn’t working properly, it’s time to get a new one.

Identifying problems with your old system

There are a few common problems that will probably be present in your old system. If your system is more than 20 years old, it’s likely that it was made with low-quality components. If your unit has a plastic-encased thermostat, it probably has a low-quality temperature sensor that will make it a nightmare to repair if it breaks. If your water valve is plastic, it’s likely that it’s leaking, which will cause your unit to run longer than necessary.If you notice that your unit is running longer than it should or that it runs continuously, it probably has a stuck motor. If your system is over 20 years old, it may have a worn-out fan belt. If your system is more than 15 years old, it probably has a dirty filter, which will reduce its efficiency and require more energy to run.

Repairing an old furnace

If your system is more than 10 years old, it’s likely that it was manufactured with an outdated design. The best way to repair a broken unit is to replace the most worn-out components, such as the motor, fan, and belt. Some older systems use plastic components that are difficult to repair. If you have to replace these parts, you should install high-quality components to ensure that your system lasts another 20 years.If you decide to replace your thermostat, you’ll need to get a unit that is compatible with your HVAC system. Most HVAC units are universal, which means that they are compatible with most brands. If you have a specific brand in mind, you can find compatible thermostats on Amazon.

Conclusion

Repairing an old system is a great way to save money, especially if your system is more than 10 years old. If you decide to repair an old system, be sure to schedule your appointment with a technician who has experience repairing HVAC units from that era. If your system is more than 20 years old, you should be prepared for some expensive repairs.Keep in mind that repairing an old system is a long and tiresome process. If your unit is beyond repair, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new system.