Melbourne homes rely heavily on ducted gas heating to manage those unpredictable winter chills. But what happens when your trusty heater starts acting up? You’re faced with the inevitable decision: should you spend money on another repair, or is it time for a full system replacement?
It’s a balance between upfront costs and long-term savings. Here is the expert guide to help Melbourne homeowners make the smartest choice for their comfort, safety, and bank account.
1. Know Your Heater’s Age and Expected Lifespan
The age of your system is the biggest factor in the repair vs. replace debate.
- Under 10 Years Old: Generally, repair is the best option. Systems in this range are still modern and a minor issue (like a faulty sensor or thermostat) is a cost-effective fix.
- 10–15 Years Old: This is the critical zone. Repairs are still possible, but you must start considering the type of repair (see Point 2). At this age, a new high-efficiency system offers substantial savings.
- Over 15 Years Old: Replacement is almost always the financially wiser choice. The system is operating well past its prime efficiency, and parts are often more expensive or even obsolete.
2. Apply the 50% Rule to Repair Costs
A simple financial rule can guide your decision:
If the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the cost of a brand-new replacement unit, you should strongly consider replacing the entire system.
For example, a major component failure (like the heat exchanger or a main control board) on a 12-year-old system could cost thousands to fix. That money is better put towards a new, high-star-rated system that comes with a fresh warranty and guaranteed energy efficiency.
3. Prioritise Safety: When a Fault Means Replace
The most compelling reason to replace a ducted gas heater is a significant safety risk, which often relates to the heat exchanger.
- The Problem: The heat exchanger separates the combustion gases (including Carbon Monoxide, or CO) from the air circulated through your home. Over time, cracks can appear in this component.
- The Risk: A cracked heat exchanger allows toxic carbon monoxide to leak into your home’s airflow. This is a potentially deadly hazard.
- The Solution: While a cracked heat exchanger can sometimes be replaced, the cost is often prohibitive, and it signals that the entire furnace is at the end of its life. An expert technician will recommend immediate replacement for your family’s safety.
4. Track Your Energy Bills for Hidden Costs
An inefficient heater is an expensive heater, regardless of repair costs. Older units (especially 2-Star or 3-Star rated systems) consume significantly more gas than modern 5-Star or 6-Star systems to achieve the same temperature.
- Sign to Replace: If your gas bills have steadily climbed over the last two to three winters without a change in usage, your system is losing efficiency.
- The Benefit of New: Upgrading from an old 3-star system to a new 6-star system can cut your running costs by a significant percentage, allowing the new system to pay for itself over its lifespan.
5. Assess the Frequency of Breakdowns
Are you on a first-name basis with your repair technician? Frequent breakdowns are not just inconvenient; the cost of repeated call-out fees and minor part replacements adds up quickly.
If your system requires an annual repair just to get through winter, the unit is showing that its internal components are failing due to age. Spending $400-$800 every year on patches is rarely the better financial choice compared to the investment in a reliable, new unit.
Need Help Deciding? We Provide Honest Advice.
At Melbourne Gas & Air, our priority is always your safety and long-term value. We never push for a replacement unless it genuinely makes financial and safety sense. We will accurately diagnose your current system, give you an honest appraisal of the repair cost, and provide a clear quote for an energy-efficient replacement so you can compare the two options side-by-side.
Ready for reliable heating this winter?
Call us on 0440 130 396 or Request a Quote Today.
