Four Signs You Need to Replace Your Heater
There is no such thing as a heater that never needs service or repair – or a system that never needs replacing. It is just one of the facts of homeownership. And when your system will need service or replacement is not an “if” situation but a “when” situation.
So, we wanted to give you our “specialist’s” insight as to what the telltale signs were that your heating system needs replacing. So here are four signs to watch for when evaluating your heating system’s health.
Sign # 1 – Abnormally High Energy Bills
Your heater is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. Its efficiency level directly affects your budget and bottom line. So as we head into winter, be sure to REALLY look at your monthly energy bills. If you are paying significantly more in energy – adjusted for any rate increase – the explanation may be that your heater needs servicing or replacement. It is likely losing efficiency, and it’s costing you more now to heat the house just the same as you did for cheaper.
Read More: Should I Repair Or Replace My Furnace?
Newer, well-maintained appliances tend to perform at peak efficiency while older systems do not. Newer furnaces have built-in energy efficiency technology that older furnaces simply do not have.
A simple adjustment or repair might improve its efficiency, but if it does not then a look at a replacement unit might just pay for itself over time, and be reason enough to install a new unit.
Sign #2 – Your House Just Isn’t Warm Enough
Comfort is key! And if you are noticing a significant change in your indoor comfort level then your furnace is telling you that it is struggling to keep up with demand.
The reasons for a change in comfort level could be something as simple as new formed air leaks or a broken thermostat. So it is almost always worth a repair call to your HVAC specialist. But in the absence of any alternative explanation, your furnace may be telling you that it is time to switch it out for a newer, more efficient model.
Uneven heat in rooms that were previously served well by your existing furnace, may be the result of outmoded technology failing to keep up with demand.
Sign #3 – Your Furnace is Acting Funny
OK – So What exactly does this mean? If your home is abnormally dusty no matter how often you clean or you’re hearing new and unusual noises coming from your vents or outdoor units, then your furnace is “acting funny”. And while “acting funny” is not a technical term, it carries a universal understanding that something is wrong.
Read More: Replacing A Heat Pump In An Ardmore Condo
An abnormally dusty environment could be that your system just isn’t doing its job of removing airborne particles. And if your air filter has been replaced and you are still plagued with abnormal amounts of dust, then it is possible that some of your unit’s internal components have been damaged or worn over time.
If something looks, sounds or smells off then it’s worth a call to your HVAC technician. Funny noises, clanking, banging and whirring sound may be indications that your air blower might need adjustment, parts need replacing or even an entire unit replacement.
Sign #4 – How Old is Too Old?
The average lifespan of a heater is roughly 15 to 20 years. But like so many things, a lot depends on keeping up with the recommended maintenance schedules. Annual servicing of your unit will help to extend the life and efficiency of your unit. We have even heard of some cases where a well-maintained furnace can last well over 20 years.
Another thing to consider is the technology of your existing heater and how long you may plan to stay in your home. If you are planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future and your furnace is 15 plus years old it may well be worth your while to replace it with a more efficient unit simply to buy yourself peace of mind knowing that you have a new unit that will stay with you for the life of your house.
Heater Replacement In Radnor, PA
If you notice any of the troubling signs of your heater struggling to keep up that we described above then it’s time to make that call to a reputable HVAC company. If you are in our area: Havertown, Radnor, PA on Philadelphia’s Main Line, or any of the surrounding towns, the HVAC experts at John Cippoline Inc can perform the diagnostics that you need to troubleshoot fixable problems. Then we’ll make the best recommendation for you and your home, should it be time to explore purchasing a new unit. Give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or click on the button below to contact us online!