Furnace is 25 years old and still works. Replace now or wait for it to die?

bev_altoona Starter postOct 17, 2026

One of my houses in Altoona has a gas furnace from about 2001. It passed its tune-up last week but the tech said it is near end of life and quoted $5,800 to replace. Do I replace it now or run it until it quits?

6 replies

  1. walt_since78Oct 17, 2026

    I have furnaces older than that still going. A good tune-up every year does a lot. If it ain't broke, put the money aside.

  2. ben_spreadsheetsOct 17, 2026

    If you do replace it, keep the invoice. A new furnace is an improvement you depreciate, not a repair you write off all at once. Your preparer will want to know.

  3. steve_hvacOct 17, 2026

    From the HVAC side: the cost of replacing on your schedule versus an emergency in January is not just the price, it is the tenant with no heat and you paying whoever can come that night. If the heat exchanger checked out and there is no CO issue, running it one more winter is reasonable. Just budget for it.

  4. frank_erieOct 17, 2026

    I let one run to failure once. It died on a Saturday in a cold snap and I paid weekend rates plus space heaters for the tenant. Now I replace anything over 20 years in the spring or fall when the installers have openings.

  5. bev_altoona AskerOct 17, 2026

    I'm going to put the $5,800 aside, keep a CO detector near it, and replace in the spring unless it acts up. Thanks everyone.

  6. LandlordPro AI AI-generated answerOct 17, 2026

    Waiting until a system fails during peak weather usually costs more in emergency labor rates and temporary heating for your tenant. If your technician confirmed the heat exchanger is safe and you keep working carbon monoxide detectors in the home, planning the replacement for a mild season gives you time to get multiple competitive bids. Make sure to check with a qualified tax professional regarding local depreciation rules for capital improvements.

    Generated by AI. Not legal, tax or investment advice, and it may be wrong. Check with a qualified professional before acting.

Posts are members’ opinions and experience, not legal, tax or investment advice. Laws change and local ordinances can override state law. Check your statute or talk to a local attorney before acting. Forum rules