Heating January 20, 2026

Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace?

Choosing to repair or replace a furnace can be complicated, as many Northern Virginia homeowners want to delay replacement in the hopes of saving money. However, in some scenarios, choosing a heating repair may actually cost you more in the long run.

Luckily, Parrish Services is here to provide you with knowledgeable advice on how to handle furnace issues. In this article, we discuss the main factors to consider, along with the importance of working with a licensed professional to protect both your comfort and your wallet.

Consider the Age of Your Furnace

One of the top heating system replacement tips is to upgrade your furnace proactively. Since most gas furnaces last between 15 and 20 years, homeowners with a system that is more than 10 years old and underperforming may benefit from a replacement. As your current system gets closer and closer to the end of its lifespan, its performance and efficiency will decline, often requiring frequent repairs and causing energy bills to skyrocket. That’s why replacing earlier can often be the more cost-effective decision.

Frequency of Furnace Repairs

Older furnaces may need frequent furnace repairs in Northern VA. If you find yourself scheduling repairs soon after your last service, you might be throwing more money at a furnace that is already failing. In general, we recommend opting for repair in furnaces that are still young and in good condition. Single, localized repairs are a great way to keep your furnace working at optimal performance, but once those repairs become more frequent, it may be time to consider replacement.

Safety Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Ensuring your safety is critical, which is why some safety issues could require replacement in order to protect your home and family. Issues like cracked heat exchangers, back drafting carbon monoxide, corrosion, or gas valve burners all require a replacement, as they mean your furnace can no longer safely contain combustion cases or control heat. 

Run the Numbers on Repair vs. Replacement

Often, a simple mathematical equation can help you decide whether a repair is a practical choice. The rule of thumb is to multiply the age of the furnace by the cost of the repair. If the result is over $5,000, you should replace, and if it’s under, you should repair. It is still worthwhile to discuss with a professional for your specific case, but this can help guide you towards the most logical choice.

Consult a Professional

When in doubt, a consultation with a professional is the best course of action when deciding between repair and replacement. A technician can make informed recommendations after assessing the source of the problem to help make a choice that is best for your comfort, safety, and budget. 

Call Parrish for Top-Quality Furnace Services

If you’re considering a furnace replacement in Manassas, VA, contact the team at Parrish Services. With an expert team standing by, we’re happy to help Northern Virginia homeowners determine the best solution for a failing furnace. This means providing free estimates on replacements, along with financing upon approved credit to help you get the equipment you need without breaking the bank.

Schedule your furnace replacement in Northern Virginia today by calling Parrish Services.