This Fall, Watch Out for These Signs It’s Time for a Heater Replacement
As the autumn months bring colder and colder temperatures with each passing day, especially throughout the Midwest, heater season has unquestionably arrived. Many homeowners wisely use this time to get a heater inspection and tune-up and prepare their system for the harsh winter ahead. But some homeowners may find that routine maintenance won’t do much good for their old, beat-up, problem-prone heaters. Such a heater may be one frosty night away from breaking down altogether. Here are a few common signs that a heater is on its way out.
When Was the Unit Installed?
Naturally, older heating systems are much more likely to malfunction or break down, especially if they were improperly installed or have been poorly maintained. With quality installation and maintenance, most heaters have an average life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years, with some variance between models and types (gas furnaces often outlast boilers or electric heat pumps). Even if the unit has undergone regular cleaning and tune-ups, normal wear and tear can add up on the blower motor, fan bearings, heat exchanger, and other components.
Homeowners who are unsure of their heater’s age should check their home records for the installation date and any repairs or maintenance invoices. This is particularly important in older homes, as the unit may even be as old as the home itself. And if the previous owners were not diligent about maintenance and repair service, the new owners may have inherited more than they bargained for.
Does the Unit Frequently Need Repairing?
Old or not, a heater that consistently makes loud and unusual noises, performs poorly, or requires constant repairs to perform at all, is probably not worth keeping around. Aside from age and neglect, frequent problems may stem from improper installation, faulty equipment, or incorrect unit size for the home’s needs.
Regardless, any repairs or upkeep to such a troubled heater will need to be performed repeatedly and will only temporarily prolong the inevitable. Meanwhile, the cost of all those service calls and replacement parts will stack up higher and higher.
Have the Utility Bills Shot Up?
A failing heater doesn’t always call attention to itself with strange noises, malfunctions, or breakdowns. It may just gradually wear down until finally - and without warning - it quits entirely. Fortunately, as its performance suffers, its struggle will be reflected in the home’s utility costs. An unexpected rise in electricity or gas usage often points to a loss of HVAC efficiency. If the unit is clean and well-maintained, there’s no reason it should suffer such a loss - unless it’s simply too old or worn to keep up with the thermostat’s needs.
With winter on the horizon, any homeowner whose heater is exhibiting these symptoms should look into replacing their unit, or at the very least, consulting with their HVAC specialist on the subject. After all, it doesn’t take long for the combined costs of incessant repairs and bloated utility bills to eclipse the price of a heater replacement.
About Dutch Enterprises
Family-owned and operated Dutch Enterprises is an award-winning plumbing & HVAC company that has served the area since 1962. Their licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians arrive on time, with a smile, and leave every home better than they found it - guaranteed. Contact them for heater replacement in Cape Girardeau, MO today!
