4 Signs Your Heater is on its Last Legs

Do you think your home may need a heating upgrade? Have you noticed that your house doesn’t seem to be getting as warm as it used to? Or are some parts of your house are colder than others, while other parts are too hot? Or are you constantly having to change the thermostat to stay comfortable? These could be signs that your system is not performing properly.

A heating system that’s well maintained and sized properly should be able to consistently keep your entire home at your desired temperature level. If you keep reaching for the thermostat, chances are you’re dealing with an older system that’s working less efficiently and causing your utility bills to be higher than necessary. As with everything that involves mechanical parts and technology, your heating system has a shelf life, and will eventually start to deteriorate with age. Here are some signs that it’s time to start looking into an upgrade:

Your Heating System is Old

Heating systems typically only last, at most, between 15 and 20 years. The closer your system gets to reaching that age, the more signs will begin to show up that indicate you’ll need a new system. If you haven’t been in your house for very long, or otherwise aren’t sure just how old your furnace is, you can check the inside panel for a sticker that should have the manufacturing date. Even though your heating system may be in that age range and is still “getting the job done”, a newer system will save you money with increased energy efficiency (lowering energy bills), increase you and your family’s overall comfort level, and save you from having unnecessary breakdowns and paying for costly repairs.

Your System Always Needs Repairs

It’s inevitable that, as your heating system ages, it will need more repairs. However, if you find you’re constantly calling on a technician, it could be a sign that your heating system is on its way out. Although you should have regular maintenance on your HVAC system, if you’re spending most of your pocket change on repairs, it may be cheaper and more efficient to invest in a new heating system. A professional and qualified Service Technician should be informing you of this well in advance of a catastrophic breakdown.

You Hear Weird Noises

As with most things, if you hear strange noises coming from your heating system, it may be cause for alarm. Rattling, banging, popping, or squeaking sounds could potentially mean something isn’t right in your system. You shouldn’t be hearing much from your system at all, and if you are, it most likely needs a repair. It could mean it needs an easy fix, or that an older system is nearing the end of its useful life. Either way, it’s definitely something that should be looked at by a professional.

Uncharacteristically High Utility Bills

As your heating system gets older, it will begin to work less efficiently. This means the entire system will need to work harder to do the same job, which consumes more energy. If you’ve noticed your energy bill has spiked, more so than in previous years, it could mean that the wear and tear on your heating system has caused it to become less energy efficient, resulting in higher utility bills. Having a routine maintenance check can tell you whether this is typical for the season, or if the time has come to consider your replacement options.

What Should You Do?

If any of these scenarios have happened or are happening now, contact a qualified, professional heating company now and start looking at your options. Doing this sooner, rather than later, could prevent an unnecessary catastrophic breakdown and save you money because you had the time to look at what company and options are best for you and your family.

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