6 Signs Your Home Needs a New Heating Unit
A heating system is one of the most important units in many homes since it helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. It’s, therefore, crucial to ensure your heating equipment is in tip-top shape as you prepare your residential property for the cold weather.
If your heating system struggles to keep your indoor environment comfortable and safe during winter, it may be time for an upgrade. But how do you know it’s time to get a replacement? Below are six tell-tale signs that you need a new heating system.
1. Frequent Repairs
A properly functioning heat pump or furnace will require repairs sometimes due to normal wear and tear. However, you need to monitor the number of times you call in the heating expert for repairs. If the repair service calls are more frequent, it might be time to get a new heating unit.
A heating system that’s not working effectively and needs regular repairs can become quite expensive to maintain. In this case, getting a new furnace or heat pump and having a professional install it for you would be the best option.
2. Aging Unit
Many heating systems last between 15 and 20 years, but that depends on the level of maintenance and usage. Check your unit’s age by reading the manufacturer’s manual. If the equipment is more than 15 years old, you should start planning for a replacement.
A new installation will be more energy-efficient and reliable. Besides, getting a replacement before the unit breaks down is less stressful than an emergency system installation in the middle of the winter season.
3. Poor Air Quality
Your heating equipment directly impacts the air quality in your home. Poorly maintained heating units distribute dirt, bacteria, dust particles, and other air contaminants throughout your indoor space when circulating heated air. Some signs of deteriorating air quality are floating dust in the house, coughs, frequent colds, and other respiratory ailments.
If a member of your family has allergies, the circulation of pollutants can also cause symptoms like itchiness, watery eyes, and constant headaches. Sometimes, solving air quality problems caused by heating-related issues can be as simple as changing unit filters. In severe cases, you might need a heating unit replacement or professional duct cleaning.
4. High Energy Bills
An effectively functioning heating system does not need a lot of power to keep your indoor environment warm throughout the cold season. But a failing or malfunctioning furnace or heat pump will need more energy to keep your house warm. The additional energy the heating unit consumes to maintain the preferred temperatures will reflect on your utility bills.
If you see a sudden change in your monthly energy bills, it’s time to call your technician to inspect your heating unit. In this case, replacing a failing or malfunctioning heating system is the best way to save on heating costs.
5. Strange Noises
Although heating units produce noise during operation, the noise is not disturbing. Persistent and loud sounds from your furnace can indicate major problems. Pay close attention to the noises coming from the heating equipment and describe them to your heating expert during inspection visits.
Loud banging noises may result from broken or loose components, while whistling and squealing sounds indicate belt or fan issues. Depending on the level of damage, the HVAC technician can make repairs or recommend a heating unit replacement.
6. Insufficient or No Heat
The sole purpose of a heating system is to make your indoor environment comfortable and warm when the temperatures are low outdoors. However, if the unit fails to warm your house, it is a sign it needs urgent repair and servicing.
A dirty filter is the most common reason a heating unit produces cold or lukewarm air. If changing the filter doesn’t change the situation, it’s good to cut your losses and buy a new heating system as soon as possible.
Contact the Heating Experts Today!
A properly functioning heating system will not only keep your residence warm during the cold months, but it’ll also keep your family safe from air-related ailments and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you notice any of these signs from your heating unit, talk to the heating experts at Jeffries Heating & Air + Plumbing. Our professionals will inspect the heating system and give you replacement options suitable for your home.
We also offer maintenance memberships, plumbing, ductwork cleaning, air quality, and air conditioning services throughout Somerset, KY, and the surrounding regions. Contact us today for reliable heating services.
