You knew this day was coming, but you kept hoping it would last a little longer. You think it may be time to replace your heating system?? How do you know for sure that it’s time to replace? Your first clue is quite obvious…it’s stopped working and your local Charlotte heating contractor has informed you it’s time to say your goodbyes. If you wait for your heating system to stop working completely, it may not the best thing for you and your family’s safety and comfort. It forces you into having to purchase a new heating system in a hurry. You will have to do your research, contact your local HVAC company, wait for them to inspect and give you an estimate, and then have them schedule your installation. And depending on the weather and how busy the company is may determine how many nights you are without heat. Not much fun in the middle of winter!
While it’s tempting to put off purchasing a new furnace or heat pump until it completely stops working; you’re better off buying and installing a new system before it stops working. But who wants to buy an expensive heating system before it is necessary? You should know the warning signs that it is time to replace your system before it’s too late. Don’t force your family to suffer in a cold home. Read below and know the signs.
Your Charlotte Heating System Needs Another Repair
If your trained technician has told you that your heating system is beginning to show signs of nearing the end of its lifespan and you find it keeps needing costly repairs, talk to them about the pros and cons of both repairing and replacing. The experts at Andersen Heating & Cooling have been serving Charlotte area residents since 1984, and they are ready to help! Sometimes it makes more sense to just go ahead and purchase a new system, but in other situations, you would be better off making the repairs. It really depends on the age of your heating system and its current condition. Your certified HVAC technician from Andersen can guide you through that decision.
If it’s an older system (15 years and older), then you’re better off buying a newer high-efficiency system. You’ll see savings through lower energy bills because of the new technology and higher AFUE ratings. More of the energy you’re paying for goes toward heating your home!
More than Fifteen Years Old and Higher Utility Bills
Most heating systems will last you fifteen to twenty years. If you’re seeing costly repairs and the system is more than fifteen years old, it’s time to replace.
Higher energy bills are another sign your system is struggling. When energy bills start to rise and it’s not due to changes in usage patterns or utility rates, then your system is not running efficiently. An inefficient system is a sign that it’s time to replace.
Making Noises and Looking Its Age
When your system begins to make noises, such as humming, rattling, and buzzing, then there is a problem that you shouldn’t overlook. Usually, this is due to wear and tear and it’s time to replace. When your unit has visible wear and tear, such as cracks and leaks, then you’ll need to replace it. This may not be visible to you, but your local heating technician from Andersen Heating & Cooling can show you the danger signs.
Not Working Like it Used to….
Other signs that your heating system is in need of replacement is when your system isn’t performing as it should. As noted above, when a system runs inefficiently, you’ll see higher energy bills, but you’ll also notice other signs too. Your system may seem dirtier and you may have excessive dust and dirt around your home. If your air filters have been changed regularly; then it may be a problem with the actual heating system. You may also notice that some rooms in the home are warmer than others. Heating systems are designed to heat a home evenly – if your system fails to do so, it may be time to replace.
Contact us at Andersen and we can walk you through the process of what’s best for you and your family. We can help you make the right decision to replace your heating system, or we can recommend the appropriate repair. Andersen also highly recommends our semi-annual maintenance agreement to increase the longevity of your heating system. By having your furnace checked and serviced once a year; it extends the lifespan of your furnace and ensures that it is working efficiently. Your highly-trained technician will help you know when it’s time for replacement so that you won’t be left without a heat source in the winter.
Trust Your Home to Andersen!