Repair your furnace if it's under about 15 years old, the fix is a small fraction of what a new system costs, and it's otherwise heating evenly and safely. Replace it if it's 15 to 20 years old or more, needs repairs year after year, has a cracked heat exchanger, or your heating bills keep rising. If you aren't sure, a NATE-certified technician from The Air Company of GA can inspect it and give you an honest answer. Call 404-583-7788. We're open 24 hours.
6 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Furnace
- It's 15 to 20 years old or more. Most gas furnaces last about 15 to 20 years. Atlanta's mild winters can stretch that, but older units lose efficiency and parts get harder to find.
- Repairs are adding up. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the furnace's age by the repair cost. If the result is over about $5,000, or the repair is close to half the cost of a new system, replacement is usually the better value.
- The heat exchanger is cracked. A cracked heat exchanger can let carbon monoxide into your home. It's a safety issue, and on an older furnace it almost always means replacement. Read more about preventing carbon monoxide leaks.
- Your gas bills keep climbing. If your usage is going up while your habits haven't changed, the furnace is probably losing efficiency.
- Rooms heat unevenly or it short cycles. Cold rooms and frequent on-off cycling can point to an aging or wrong-sized system. See why your upstairs is cold in winter.
- It's noisy or the burner flame looks yellow. Banging, rattling, or a yellow, flickering flame instead of a steady blue one all call for an inspection. Learn what furnace noises mean.
When a Repair Makes More Sense
Many no-heat calls are simple fixes like a dirty flame sensor, a failed igniter, a tripped breaker, or a clogged filter. If your furnace is younger, has been maintained, and needs one affordable part, repairing it is usually the smart move. Check our guide on why a furnace won't turn on before you assume the worst.
What to Consider When Replacing
- Sizing: A new system should be sized to your home, not just matched to the old unit's label.
- Furnace or heat pump: Many Atlanta homeowners pair a high-efficiency furnace with a new AC, while others switch to a heat pump.
- Air quality add-ons: Replacement is a good time to add a better filter cabinet, UV light, or whole-home humidifier.
- Brand and warranty: We're a Bryant dealer, and we'll walk you through the equipment and warranty options.
Keep Your New or Repaired Furnace Running
Yearly maintenance catches small problems before they turn into a replacement. Our service plan is $159 a year for your first system and $60 for each additional unit, and members get priority scheduling.
Furnace Repair and Replacement Near You
The Air Company of GA is a family-owned HVAC company serving homes and businesses in Atlanta (including Buckhead, Midtown, and Virginia Highland), Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville, Tucker, and Decatur. Call 404-583-7788 or visit us at 10 Glenlake Parkway, Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a furnace last in Atlanta?
Most gas furnaces last about 15 to 20 years. Regular maintenance helps yours reach the high end of that range.
Is it worth repairing a 20-year-old furnace?
Usually not, unless the repair is minor. At that age, efficiency has dropped and more parts are likely to fail soon.
What is the age-times-cost rule?
Multiply the furnace's age by the repair cost. If the result is over about $5,000, replacing it is usually the better investment.
Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?
It's rarely practical. Because it can leak carbon monoxide, a cracked heat exchanger on an older furnace usually means replacement.
Do you offer emergency furnace service?
Yes. The Air Company of GA is open 24 hours. Call 404-583-7788.
