Eight Signs That You Need To Replace Your Heater Soon

Eight Signs That You Need To Replace Your Heater Soon

Knowing when to replace your heater can feel like a tough call. But there are definite signs to look for that can help you decide when it’s time to replace your furnace. Here are the 8 telltale signs.

Eight Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Heater

Female hand with rag cleaning water from heating radiator

1. Abnormally High Electric Bills

If you are experiencing abnormally high electric bills and you have not been experiencing excessively cold temperatures, it may be a flag that your heater or heat pump is not working efficiently.

Check your utility bill to compare your electric usage and provider rates and average temperatures from one year to the next. If all things seem equal except the amount of power used, then it may be a sign that your system is not working efficiently.

2. Short Cycling

Short cycling is when the heater seems to turn on and off in very short intervals. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from a bad thermostat, to a clogged air filter or defective fan.

Short cycling is when the system shuts off due to overheating. When this occurs, it is always a good time to schedule a service call with your HVAC professional.

3. Home Is No Longer Comfortable

If your home no longer feels comfortable no matter what you do to adjust the thermostat, it may be a sign that your system is no longer working efficiently.

4. Home is Excessively Dusty

There is “dust” and there is DUST! If you are experiencing the latter, it could be that your air filter needs changing. But it could also be that your system is struggling to clean the air.

As the age of your heating system increases, its inability to adequately moisturize and clean the air it distributes in your house could be due to the humidifier not working correctly or air ducts could be dirty.

Closed systems such as heat pumps do a better job of maintaining an adequate and comfortable moisture level in your home and bring in less dust and pollutants.

5. Pilot Light Is Yellow

The normal color of a properly functioning pilot light is blue. Blue is the natural color of a flame that is receiving adequate amounts of oxygen.

If the pilot light is yellow, it means that the gas is not burning as hot as it should, causing the gas supply to shut off. If the problem is caused by a dirty intake valve, your HVAC technician can clean out the valve and restore your furnace to high function.

But it is important to note that a yellow pilot light could also  indicate a lack of oxygen or that carbon monoxide is present in the furnace.

6. Members Of Your Family Not Feeling Well

Unfortunately with an open flame system such as a gas or oil furnace, excessive amounts of carbon monoxide can occur causing residents to feel “off” or to experience headaches.

This situation can sneak up on homeowners. That is why it is important to schedule routine maintenance and service for your HVAC systems.

7. Strange Noises

Strange noises always get our attention. At the first sign of an unusual rattle, banging or noise, call your HVAC professional. Any kind of unusual noise is a sign that something is not right. A smoothly runny system should be worry free.

8. Age of Your Heater

If your heater or furnace is north of 15 years old it may be time to start thinking about a replacement.

Advanced age coupled with other factors such as frequent repairs, or some of the other flags mentioned above are pretty good indicators that it may be time to look for a new furnace or heater.

Taking Care of Your Investment

It almost seems like one of those things that is obvious – but sometimes it needs to be said. Your furnace and heating and cooling plant is one of the biggest investments that you have in your home. And it is one of the most critical to your comfort year round. It makes sense that regularly scheduled maintenance can help us live a worry free and comfortable life year round.

But when you see the signs that your system may be at the end of its life, it’s time to call you HVAC expert to explore options for a new more efficient system.

Plus – now there are purchase incentives and rebates available that may make now the perfect time to act.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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