Faulty furnace/air conditioning unit: repair or replace?

Question

I bought a condo eight months ago.  It's a 800 square foot unit.  It has a forced air Airtemp furnace and also has an add-on a/c unit.  I have a one year home warranty w/ a $75 co-pay.  I live in Pittsburgh, PA.

The a/c unit works, but does not blow cold so I didn't run it this summer.  I was told it may be freon that needs to be replaced.

The metal bar that connects the gas intake valve to feed the burners (I've heard it referred to as a bar or bridge line) is dented/slightly crimped and in November it periodically made my furnace to not fire because not enough base was getting to the burners.  This bar/bridge also had a build up inside that they cleaned out (I'm assuming w/ some kind of solvent).

The furnace people who came in November said "Boy, we don't even know where you could get parts for that."

Now the furnace is doing the same thing it did in November.  The furnace fails to light/ignite the burners about every 2-4 days but flipping the master switch off then on re-sets it and works fine.

So I'm wondering if I even want to put any more $ into this furnace, the furnace guys who came here in November said it was probably 10 years old  but it may be older.

I'm thinking since I'm having problems w/ the furnace and a/c it may be more cost efficient to replace the entire furnace a/c with a new unit.  The replacement part (you can't just buy the bar, you have to buy the entire burner unit) is nearly $200 plus labor.  Then I'll have to get the a/c fixed in the Spring.  Even w/ a home warranty, those copays add up.

Any advice would be great and if you recommend replacing the whole thing, what brand of furnaces you recommend.  Thanks!

Maz69 · Accepted Answer

Anything at the 10 year mark is older, less efficient.  Being that you have issues with both the heating and a&#x2F;c, I would get estimates to fix all and get an estimate to replace all.  Make sure the energy rebates are itemized and included by your contractor.  Get three estimates and make your choice.

Anonym · Answer

Considering a new furnace/AC unit will cost you about $8000 minimum, get online and read up on what brands you might trust, read reviews from several big name brands and call for at least two estimates and don't let any repairman talk you into anything till you are sure.  If you are decently warm right now, you have time to do this.  Don't follow the furnace guy's word, they need a paycheck.  Here's the best furnaces/ACs on the market, there may be more out there you can research.  
Trane
Lennox
Carrier
York
Maybe it just needs a new master switch? You need to call a reputable all-purpose technician who works on many brands, not trying to sell you a unit.
I bought a house with a 8 year old Trane and the heat bill is lower than the water bill, only needs regular maintenance.   That's only my opinion. 
There is no such thing as replacing the Freon, a technician has to fill it or the standard chemical they use now, at $100 bucks a pop.
Once you get 2 honest estimates, you can make a better decision.

quidagamus · Answer

When you're talking about a unit that is more than 10 years old it is better to replace it with a new model that will be more economic.  It might also be a good idea to get a second opinion, check around to see if there is another place that will come out and do a free inspection and see what they have to say.  Some heating guys try very hard to talk people into replacement when it's not needed.

Marko · Answer

The problem should have been found during the inspection. With that said, I'd cancel the warranty deal and hire a real hvac shop with real technicians. You're just throwing away money.
Then, make the repairs. No need for a new system.

? · Answer

10 years is not an old unit, I would fix it, make the repairs.

Faulty furnace/air conditioning unit: repair or replace?

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