You may have been able to limp your existing home heating system through this mild winter…but will it last for another? New heating systems are expensive, so it’s understandable that you may want to put off replacement. However, if your system is old or damaged, rising energy costs and declining indoor air quality may make upgrading inevitable. Here are some signs that replacing your home heating system should happen sooner rather than later:
Your Existing System Is More than 10 Years Old
The Department of Energy recommends homeowners change their heating system every 10 to 15 years. As components deteriorate, performance declines. Plus, repair costs rise if they’re even possible because some parts may no longer be available.
If a repair estimate is more than 30% of the total cost of replacement, it’s time to upgrade.
Rising Energy Costs
Compare your energy bill for the same month as last year. Mild temperatures this winter gave most homeowners a break this year. But, if your energy bills went up, it may be time to replace your system.
It’s Hard to Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Temperature inconsistencies may point to one of two likely problems—either your system doesn’t have the “umpf” to effectively warm your home or the duct work is leaking or was not installed correctly. Our HVAC technicians can video inspect your duct work to find leaks or damage. If that’s not the problem, you probably need a system with increased heating capacity. Fortunately, newer HVAC systems are also more energy-efficient, so even getting a larger unit may not increase your monthly utility costs.
Unusual Smells and Unusual Smells
An unusual smell could indicate melted wiring or mold in the ducts. Noises can point to a variety of possible problems. In any case, an efficient heating system operates quietly and odorlessly. If these issues persist after inspection and troubleshooting from an HVAC technician, it may be more cost-effective to replace the system.
If you have recently noticed any of these signs with your heating system, contact R & R Heating & Air today. Our technicians will provide an honest assessment of your HVAC system’s useful life and give you a free estimate for repairs or replacement.