Repair or Replace? Navigating Your Furnace Options in Calgary’s Climate

It’s the dilemma every homeowner dreads. Your furnace has broken down, the technician is standing in your utility room, and you are staring at a quote for $600.

Do you pay for the repair and hope the unit lasts another few years? Or do you cut your losses, invest that money into a new high-efficiency system, and enjoy the peace of mind?

In Calgary, this decision carries extra weight. Our heating season is long, and our energy prices can be high. A limping, inefficient furnace isn’t just a repair risk; it’s a monthly drain on your bank account.

At Shift Heating & Cooling, we believe in honesty. We will never pressure you into a new unit if a simple furnace repair makes sense. However, there comes a time when patching up an old unit is throwing good money after bad. Here is the framework we use to help our customers make the right choice.

1. The Age Factor: The 15-Year Benchmark

The average lifespan of a furnace in Alberta is typically 15 to 20 years. Why? Because our furnaces run for 2,000+ hours a year—far more than in milder climates.

• Under 10 Years Old: Almost always repair. The unit has plenty of life left, and parts are likely under warranty.

• 10-15 Years Old: This is the “grey zone.” It depends on the cost of the repair and how well the unit has been maintained.

• Over 15 Years Old: Be very cautious. Parts are becoming obsolete and expensive. If you fix the motor today, the gas valve might fail next month. Replacement is often the smarter financial move.

2. The “50% Rule”

This is a classic industry standard we recommend to our Calgary clients.

The Rule: If the cost of the repair is 50% or more of the cost of a new furnace, you should replace it.

• Scenario: You have a 14-year-old furnace. The heat exchanger cracked, and the repair quote is $1,500. A new, entry-level high-efficiency furnace might cost $4,500 installed. The repair is 33% of the new cost.

• However: You must also factor in future repairs. On a 14-year-old unit, that $1,500 repair is just the beginning. In this case, we would likely recommend replacement.

3. Efficiency: The Hidden Cost of Old Repairs

If your furnace was installed before 2010, it might be a “mid-efficiency” model (80% AFUE). That means for every dollar you spend on gas, 20 cents goes right up the chimney.

Modern furnaces installed by Shift Heating & Cooling are typically 96% to 98% efficient. By upgrading, you are immediately saving 15-20% on your monthly gas bill.

If you spend $500 repairing an old 80% efficient unit, you are paying to keep an energy-waster alive. Over five years, the savings from a new 96% unit could actually offset a large chunk of the installation cost.

4. The “Peace of Mind” Value

This is subjective, but crucial. How much is your sleep worth?

If your furnace has broken down twice in the last two winters, do you trust it to keep your family warm during a -30°C Christmas Eve?

New furnaces come with warranties (often 10 years on parts). A repair usually only comes with a 30-day or 1-year warranty on that specific part. Replacing the unit resets the clock on your anxiety.

5. How Shift Heating & Cooling Helps You Decide

When you call us for furnace repair in Calgary, our technicians don’t work on commission. Their goal is to solve your problem, not sell you a box.

Here is our process:

1. Diagnose: We find the exact issue and give you a guaranteed repair price.

2. Assess: We check the rest of the system. Is the heat exchanger rusting? Is the blower motor wobbling? We give you a “health report” on the overall unit.

3. Compare: We can provide a quote for repair alongside a quote for replacement, breaking down the long-term costs of both.

We service and install all major brands, so whether you need a quick fix or a full system upgrade, we have the expertise to get it done right.

Conclusion

Deciding between repair and replacement is a big financial choice. Don’t make it under pressure.

If you are on the fence, call Shift Heating & Cooling. We will provide a transparent assessment of your current system so you can choose the path that keeps your home warm and your wallet happy. Whether it’s a $150 sensor cleaning or a new high-efficiency install, we are Calgary’s partner in home comfort.