Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Heating System
If you are like most homeowners, you aren’t sure if it is best for you to repair or replace your existing heating system. Many homeowners are so concerned about heating system replacement costs that they don’t think about the financial benefits involved. Most heaters have a lifespan of up to 20 years, according to the DOE. If your heating system is 20 years old or close to it, you should seriously consider replacing it. Yes, it is going to be expensive, however, the benefits of replacing the system will certainly outweigh the cost.
In this article, we discuss some of the benefits of a heating system replacement. We also discuss some of the tell-tale signs that your heating system replacement Toms River NJ is approaching.
Benefits Of A Heater Replacement
Contents
The main benefits of replacing your outdated heating system include…
- Reduced heating bills
- A home that is warmer and more comfortable during the cold winter months
- The prevention of a costly and inconvenient breakdown in the middle of the winter.
Point Bay Fuel offers trusted and knowledgeable heating system replacements in Toms River NJ and surrounding areas. If you are like most homeowners, you may not even realize that your heating system needs to be replaced. Many people don’t realize it until their current heating system breaks down completely during the coldest time of the year. Fortunately, you can keep this from happening by being able to recognize the signs ahead of time.
What Are The Signs For A Heating System Upgrade?
Below, we will discuss the heater replacement signs that you should look for.
Frequent HVAC Repairs
If your system is breaking down frequently…
it is a sure sign that you should consider replacing it. This is especially true if the repairs are going to cost half of what a new system would cost. In that case, it is worth the heater upgrade.
If your current system needs to be repaired and you don’t think that you are ready for a replacement, you should make sure that you hire a reputable HVAC company to handle the repairs. If your system has reached the end of its lifespan, the HVAC tech would see that during the repair and discuss your options with you. Over time, frequent heating repairs can cost the same amount of money that a new system would cost. Replacing the heating system can save you money in the long run.
Old Heating Systems
The average lifespan for a heating system is between 15 and 20 years. If you have baseboards for hot water radiators, the baseboards will last between 13 and 21 years. When your system is reaching its maximum life expectancy, you should strongly consider a replacement. If you recently bought your home and you aren’t sure how old it is, there are two ways that you can tell.
- Check the unit. Many techs will write the date on the until when they install it. This will let you know how old the heating system is.
- Check the unit for its model number and serial number. Next, contact the manufacturer. You can ask them the manufacturer date. This will let you know how long the system has been in use.
High Heating Bills
If you have asked yourself “How efficient is a 20-year-old furnace?”, then it is important for you to know that the older a heating system is, the less efficient it will be. According to the Department of Energy, when a heater is close to 20 years old, it works at 78 % efficiency. This means that its AFUE rating drops to 78%. If the unit is not maintained regularly, it is even less efficient.
The Department of Energy uses a system called energy utilization efficiency (AFUE) to determine how much fuel you are wasting on an outdated heater. If a tech tests your system and finds that it has an 80% AFUE, it means that 80% of the fuel is being used and 20% is being wasted. Consequently, this 20% can add up to a great deal of money over time, causing your bills to rise. Therefore, if your system is not efficient, you should consider replacing it with a heating system with an AFUE of 93 to 97%.
Yellow Burner Flame
An efficient, properly working gas furnace will create a burner flame that is blue with a bit of yellow in the center or at the base. If your burner flame is mostly yellow, it means that your system is emitting high levels of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. Therefore, if your furnace is releasing carbon monoxide, you and everyone in your home are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because carbon monoxide is so dangerous, you should contact a professional HVAC technician as soon as you realize that the flame is burning yellow. Here are a few other signs that you should look for:
- Corrosion in the pipes
- Furnace water leak
- More condensation on cold places
- Soot streaks on and around the unit
The best way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide detector in the home. Make sure that you install a detector within 10 feet of every bedroom in the house. Also, remember to change the batteries as needed.
When you schedule annual furnace maintenance with an HVAC tech, you can have peace of mind that your heating system is safe and efficient.
Constantly Fluctuating Temperatures
If you need to turn your thermostat up often to keep your house warm, your heating system could be failing. This is especially true if your heating system is at its maximum life expectancy.
However, if your heating system is relatively new, the problem could lie with the thermostat. You would need to contact an HVAC specialist to find out if the heater or the thermostat is the problem. Unless you are a trained HVAC contractor, sometimes, it is hard to decipher whether or not your thermostat is malfunctioning. However, this is certainly one of the many signs that indicate when you need a heater replacement.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
If you are looking for excellent heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact Point Bay Fuel. Our professionally certified and trained technicians offer superior HVAC services, such as furnace repairs, AC maintenance, ductless installations, and boiler replacements. We have knowledgeable and experienced techs who are guaranteed to conduct accurate and fast HVAC services.
Point Bay Fuel has the most competitive heating and cooling service rates in the area. Our tune-up services help improve your home comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your HVAC costs. We can also recommend the most suitable and budget-friendly HVAC make and model for your home. Your satisfaction is important to us. All our services come with a guarantee. Give Point Bay Fuel a call to schedule a service appointment today. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home estimates.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!