Get Ahead of Winter: The Cost of Waiting on Furnace Replacements

As temperatures drop, now’s the time for operators to get ahead of furnace replacements and heating emergencies before the first deep freeze hits. When winter arrives, repair backlogs rise—and so do emergency costs. Each year, thousands of work orders spike as portfolios scramble to replace failed furnaces or address heating outages that could have been prevented through early inspections. The most efficient operators start winterization in the fall, prioritizing furnace checks and replacements while equipment pricing and labor availability remain stable.

Why Waiting Costs More

Delaying furnace replacements until winter isn’t just inconvenient, it’s expensive. National averages show that full furnace replacements now range from $5,000 to $12,500, depending on system type and home size. But once peak demand sets in, that cost can increase by 10–15% due to material markups, supply chain delays, and emergency labor rates.

Labor shortages also play a major role. As heating systems across entire regions begin to fail simultaneously, contractors prioritize emergency calls at premium rates. Those surcharges combined with expedited shipping and overtime costs can quickly inflate budgets and delay service by days or weeks.

Even if repairs are possible, patchwork fixes on aging systems rarely deliver long-term value. Furnaces operating below 80% efficiency waste up to 20 cents of every heating dollar, driving up both energy costs and emissions. Replacing before failure ensures optimal efficiency when systems are needed most and helps portfolios avoid midseason downtime or tenant disruption.

The Benefits of Early Planning

Proactive replacements in the fall allow operators to capitalize on several key advantages. Equipment and parts are more readily available, pricing is more predictable, and scheduling is far easier before technicians’ calendars fill up. Early replacement also supports broader operational goals—maintaining consistent resident comfort, protecting property infrastructure, and improving overall energy performance.

This season, Lessen teams are partnering with operators nationwide to identify at-risk HVAC systems and streamline replacement programs. Through Lessen Marketplace, operators gain access to manufacturer partnerships including Goodman, a leading HVAC brand known for quality and reliability to secure better pricing and shorten lead times.

Proactive planning doesn’t just prevent downtime—it strengthens resident trust, reduces waste, and lowers portfolio-wide maintenance costs.

A Warm Reminder (Before It’s Too Late)

Every year, thousands of repair orders flood in once cold weather hits. Operators without proactive plans find themselves in reactive mode: paying premiums, delaying schedules, and risking resident comfort.

By contrast, proactive planners capture lower pricing, smoother scheduling, and stable resident environments.

Let’s talk and assess your portfolio’s HVAC risk, explore Goodman options through Lessen Marketplace, and lock in your pre-winter replacements so they’re assets, not liabilities.

‍