If you’ve ever reached up to turn on the thermostat and were met with the resounding sound of dead silence, you’ve been faced with the question of whether to repair or replace your furnace. If it’s the middle of a Hagerstown winter, you’ll probably choose the fastest option. When you call for expert advice and assistance, you’ll want to choose a professional who is highly recommended to replace and repair all heating systems.

While repairing your furnace may seem like the easiest option, it isn’t necessarily the most cost effective solution. Here are a few things to consider:

• How old is your furnace? If it is more than 12 years old, replacing it now will cost less in the long run than incurring repair expenses on an annual basis. If your furnace is still in its first decade, repairing it is probably the way to go.
• Is energy efficiency important to you? If you’re tired of paying a high monthly bill to keep the old clunker running, consider replacing your furnace with a new energy-efficient model.
• Do you still want central heating? If you love nothing better than the feeling of warm air hurtling through the vents in your floor, then the answer is yes. But if anyone in your family suffers from asthma, now is your chance to switch to a ductless system for cleaner air.
• Does your home get hot in the summer? Count your dead furnace as a blessing and take this opportunity to switch to a heat pump, which also serves as an air conditioner.

Whichever choice you make, be sure to hire a contractor who is qualified to repair and replace all heating systems. Choose someone who will present more than one option to you and will listen to your concerns. Your heating professional should be courteous and quick to respond to your needs. For more help choosing a professional, consider checking an online list of Hagerstown heating experts, read the customer reviews and call for quotes.