Homeowners heavily rely on their heating systems during winter. This way, you and your family remain warm and comfortable inside despite the cold weather outside. However, problems might crop up as time passes. These issues will force you to decide between heating system repair vs replace.
It isn’t easy to determine whether you should get a repair or a replacement. Many will opt to get their system repaired repeatedly because it is less costly. However, some cases call for a heating unit replacement as the more logical option.
When To Repair Vs. Replace Your Heating System
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This article includes a discussion of a few signs that point to a heating system replacement. You save more money on HVAC repairs while still achieving an energy-efficient and comfortable home when you know these signs.
Age Of Your Heating System
In general, heating systems are reliable. They typically last up to 15 to 30 years, depending on several factors like maintenance, design, manufacturer, and usage frequency, among others. You can push it and maximize its use for 2-3 decades, but it isn’t always possible. Issues might start to appear earlier at 12 to 15 years. If you have already received many years of service from your system, it may be time to retire it. Getting a replacement will save you from the stress of getting it repaired over and over again. Innovations in heating technology also mean that newer models are more efficient, among other added features.
A Decrease In Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of all machines gradually reduces as time passes. You can slow this down with the help of regular maintenance. However, this efficiency decrease cannot be completely removed. This gradual efficiency reduction means that the system uses more fuel to generate the same amount of heat. It will eventually reach a point where there is such a drastic decrease in efficiency that there is excessive fuel consumption.
In this situation, replacing your heating system is the logical choice. High energy consumption is not environmentally friendly as it means your system produces more greenhouse gases. There will also be a significant increase in your heating bills.
Increased Home Heating Costs
An increase in fuel consumption means your energy costs increase as well. Fuel prices can differ over time and can increase because of high demand and shortages. An old or underperforming heating unit will utilize more fuel than it usually does. The fuel amount can add up to a large sum. Getting your old system repaired can make some improvements in its efficiency but not by a significant level. Replacing your aging system means you can enjoy low fuel use and energy costs.
A homeowner can generally have their system repeatedly repaired as long as parts and skilled technicians are available. However, few homeowners allow this to happen as it can be quite costly in terms of money and time. Annual maintenance can be tolerable, but not when a technician visits you three to five times a year. By then, you might be wondering if your old system is still worth all the hassle. Consider channeling all these repair costs into a new heating system instead. This way, you’ll enjoy better reliability.
Discomfort and Heat Imbalance Throughout The Home
The heating system’s effectiveness will also decline over time. During the first few years of your system’s service life, it likely can keep all rooms warm so that you and your family are comfortable. However, as time passes, you might notice that rooms begin feeling colder and it becomes unbearable to stay in them for long.
This is one of the surefire signs that point to the need to replace your heating system. The system does not operate as it should anymore, so you need to install one that functions properly. Replace it as soon as you can.
Dusty Home & Poor Indoor Air Quality
Most people frequently worry about outdoor air pollution because of pollutants from cars and factories, among others. Many forget that their indoor air quality can suffer as well. Your home can trap contaminants like dirt, dust, and other debris. These can circulate throughout your indoor space and cause discomfort. You can improve indoor air quality by repairing ductwork, replacing your HVAC system’s air filters, and installing UV lights in strategic areas. You can also use an air purifier. However, if the air quality does not improve even after doing all these, consider a whole heating system replacement instead.
Conclusion
The debate on whether to get repairs or a replacement is endless. However, you need to decide at some point as your family’s health and well-being, as well as your finances, are on the line. You can try going for the low-cost options first to check if they will work. After all, acting quickly can mean that the problems might be at a stage where the remedy is cheap and easy to do.
However, you need to be open to the possibility that your heating system might require a total replacement. This is especially so if your heating unit is at a certain age and shows the signs listed above.
Call Skylands Energy Service For All Of Your Heating Needs
Skylands Energy Service provides high-quality heating and cooling services in the area. We have the best professionally certified technicians for all your superior HVAC needs, including maintenance, installations, repairs, and replacements. Each of our friendly techs has extensive knowledge and years of experience to ensure correct and prompt HVAC services at all times.
Do you need to replace or repair your heating system? No worries. You are in excellent hands with Skylands Energy Service. We offer highly competitive heating system repair and replacement prices in the area. If you need to replace your furnace, we can recommend the most suitable one that fits your budget. Your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality are our priorities. Schedule an appointment with us today for a free, in-home estimate.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!