Like most mechanical systems in your home, your heating system needs to be periodically evaluated to determine when it’s time for replacement. Whether you have a heat pump or an oil-fired furnace, over time your equipment will eventually wear out and lose efficiency. It may also reach a point where it costs more to continue repairing the system than it does to invest in a replacement.
How will you know when it’s time to replace your heating system? Here are a few points to consider that can help you decide.
- Frequent repairs. Continually performing small repairs on your furnace or heat pump can quickly amount to big money, and that’s money you could be investing in a new system. If you’re calling for service more than once a year, that’s a good sign your system is ready for replacement. These little expenses are manageable when they’re spread out over time, but together the costs can really add up.
- The age of the system. The lifespan of a heat pump can be as little as 8 years or as long as 15 years, depending on the climate you live in. Oil-fired furnaces tend to last longer, up to 15 years or more, because they are only used during the heating season. Conversely, a heat pump operates year-round to provide both heating and cooling. Regardless of the type of system you have, technology and efficiencies tend to improve about every 8 to 10 years, so if your system is more than 10 years old, it’s at least worth a look to determine if a new one could be saving you more in energy costs. Those energy cost savings may make it worth your while to upgrade, as they can provide a quick payback of your investment.
- Inconsistent performance. If you’re starting to notice a decrease in the level of comfort around your home and your heating system just isn’t keeping you as warm as it used to, that may be a sign that it’s losing efficiency or that components are beginning to fail. This situation can also lead you to bump up the thermostat, which also leads to higher energy bills. A noisy heating system can also be a sign of impending failure or an indication that components are wearing out.
If you think it may be time to replace your home’s heating system and you need a professional opinion, contact a trusted service provider to help. An experienced technician can evaluate your system and present all of your options to help you make an informed decision. A professional can also help you make short-term decisions about repairs or plan for a replacement, and they may offer financing options so you can get what you need and still stay within your budget.
To learn more about all of your home heating options, call IT Landes at 215-256-4221 or request an appointment online.
