Louisiana winters aren’t harsh, but when temperatures dip in Shreveport and Bossier City, your heating system still needs to work every time you turn it on. Most homes in our area rely on gas furnaces, and while they’re known for reliability, even well-built systems eventually reach a point where repairs stop making sense.
If your heater is acting up, you’re likely facing the same question many homeowners do:
Should I repair it, or is it time to replace it?
The answer depends on a few key factors, including age, repair history, efficiency, and how you actually use your home during the winter months. Our Shreveport heating pros and our Bossier City heating pros have put together a guide to help you decide, so keep reading!
Start With the Age of Your Gas Furnace
Age is often the first and clearest indicator. In Shreveport and Bossier City, most gas furnaces last around 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. A heating repair is usually the better option if the problem is minor and your system is less than ten years old. But once a furnace pushes past the 15-year mark, the math starts to change.
Older furnaces:
- Break down more frequently
- Lose efficiency over time
- Use outdated components that are harder to source
Even if a repair gets the heat back on, it may only be buying you short-term relief.
Compare Repair Costs to Replacement Value
As a rule of thumb, if a single repair costs 30% to 40% of the price of a new system, a heating replacement should be on the table. In Louisiana’s climate, homeowners sometimes keep aging systems longer because they’re not running nonstop like they would up north. But that can backfire when a furnace that only runs a few months a year ends up failing suddenly.
We can help you compare:
- Repair cost vs. remaining system life
- Energy savings from newer gas furnaces
- Long-term reliability
Seeing the numbers side by side makes the decision clearer.
How Do Louisiana’s Mild Winters Influence the Decision-Making Process?
This is where Louisiana differs from colder states. Because winters are shorter, efficiency gains don’t always look dramatic on paper. However, modern gas furnaces still offer benefits, even with lighter seasonal use:
- Faster, more even heating
- Quieter operation
- Better safety controls
- Lower risk of mid-season breakdowns
If your furnace struggles to keep up on colder nights or cycles on and off constantly, that’s a sign it’s working harder than it should.
When Are Frequent Repairs a Red Flag?
One repair every few years is normal. Multiple repairs in a single season are not. Common repeat issues with aging gas furnaces include:
- Ignition failures
- Failing gas valves
- Cracked heat exchangers
- Control board issues
If you’re calling for service more than once a year, replacement often ends up costing less over time.
Safety Matters More Than Comfort
Gas heating systems demand extra attention to safety. You should never ignore any of these warning signs:
- Strange odors
- Soot buildup
- Carbon monoxide alerts
- Visible corrosion
In these cases, replacement isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your home and family in Shreveport or Bossier City.
Think About Your Plans for the Home
Your long-term plans matter. You may need a new gas furnace if you’re:
- Staying in your home for many years
- Remodeling or upgrading systems
- Working from home more often
Remember, a new gas furnace offers peace of mind and reliability. If you’re planning to move soon, a repair may be enough to get you through. SBC Cooling + Heating helps homeowners weigh these lifestyle factors alongside technical ones.
Don’t Overlook Maintenance as a Middle Ground
Sometimes, the issue isn’t repair or replacement; it’s also about missed maintenance. Dirty burners, clogged filters, and neglected inspections can cause performance issues that look serious but aren’t. Regular heating maintenance helps:
- Extend furnace lifespan
- Catch small issues early
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce breakdowns
If your system is still in good shape overall, maintenance may stabilize it for years.
Repair or Replace? SBC Cooling + Heating Can Help
Deciding between heating repair and heating replacement doesn’t have to be stressful. SBC Cooling + Heating works with homeowners across Shreveport, LA, and Bossier City, LA, to evaluate gas furnaces honestly, with no pressure, and with no guesswork.
Whether you need a targeted repair, a second opinion, or you’re ready to upgrade, our team will walk you through your options with clear pricing and practical advice.
Schedule your heating service today and make sure your home stays comfortable and safe all season long!
Call (318) 465-0853Service Areas
Serving Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish & Bee-yond!
All Service Areas