When to Repair or Replace Your Heating System
Stephens Plumbing
February 27, 2025

Many homeowners put their heating system on autopilot—that is, until indoor temperatures fluctuate, strange sounds begin rumbling in the utility room, or the furnace stops working altogether.
The good news is your furnace is a great communicator. You just need to do two things: Keep up with regular maintenance and know how to interpret common signals that your heating system needs repair or replacement. Here’s what to look and listen for.
Age & Performance
Well-maintained furnaces can last 20 years—even longer in some cases. That said, once your heating system passes the two-decade threshold, prepare yourself for more frequent repairs and eventual replacement.
Key indicators of a tired furnace? Inconsistent temperatures and taking longer than usual to heat your home are common signs it may be time to replace your heating system.
Rising Energy Bills
While it’s normal to see energy bill fluctuations throughout the year, sudden spikes may indicate you need heating system repair or replacement.
Skyrocketing energy bills are often caused by a furnace that has to work harder than necessary to maintain temperatures. If your furnace cycles on and off more frequently than usual, it may be time for heating system repair or replacement.
More Frequent Repairs
Find yourself dialing 714-694-2087 to schedule frequent furnace repairs with Stephens? It may be time to weigh heating system repair costs against purchasing a new unit.
While we make every effort to help you get the most out of your investment, there comes a time when repairs just don’t cut it. Like an old car, furnaces wear out. Sometimes, pouring more money into a system that has outlived its purpose stops making sense.
Environmental & Health Conditions
A tired furnace can impact more than your comfort—it also degrades safety and indoor air quality. When it comes to old furnaces, the most serious concern is a cracked heat exchanger, which can cause carbon monoxide leaks. This gas may be odorless, but it poses very real health hazards.
Even less severe issues can compromise air quality. If you haven’t swapped out your air filter, cleaned components, or given your system a good old tune-up, it may be time to call Stephens for heating system maintenance and repair.
24/7 Emergency Response
Is your furnace talking back or completely out of commission? Experience has shown us that furnace breakdowns don’t keep regular hours. Luckily, neither do we. Our heating systems repair specialists are on call 24/7 for emergency service that covers both plumbing and heating systems.
Furnace Giving You the Cold Shoulder? We Got This!
When your furnace gives your comfort the slip, Stephens slides into gear—and we bring our tools and expertise with us. Whether you’re weighing heating system replacement costs against repair or simply need maintenance, we’re here to help. Contact us now!

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