How much do you know about your home heating system? Can you tell when it needs repairing or replacing? We don’t expect everyone to be experts when it comes to caring for furnaces and boilers. We do, however, want our homeowners to know and understand as much as they can about their heating system. In this blog, we answer frequently asked questions from homeowners like you.
Q: How do I know if my heating system needs repairing or replacing?
A: There could be a number of reasons why your furnace isn’t working properly. Here are the most common signs that something is wrong with your heating system:
- Strange popping, hissing, and rattling noises are happening
- Heat isn’t being distributed evenly throughout your house
- Your energy bills are rising with no explanation
- Your furnace is blowing out cold air
- The yellow pilot light is on or flashing
Frequent and expensive repairs on an older system may add up to be more than what your heating system is worth. When major repairs are persistent, a new system might be the best solution as it has many benefits from providing peace of mind to potentially lowering utility bills. Before jumping to conclusions, request an assessment from a local HVAC repair and installation company. They have the proper knowledge and expertise to help determine if a repair or replacement is the best option.
Q: Can a new furnace help lower my utility bills?
A: Yes, new furnaces can be more energy efficient and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They can also last longer and provide more balanced airflow throughout your home. Before you upgrade to a new high-efficiency furnace, make sure your home is energy efficient. The newest furnace on the market won’t improve your home’s energy efficiency if heat is escaping through older windows, doors, and poorly insulated areas.
Q: How long do heating systems last?
A: The lifespan of your heating system, water heaters, heat pumps, and thermostats can vary depending on several factors. For example, hard water with iron can put wear and tear on your water heater as can a wet environment around your furnace. However, if properly maintained, your equipment could generally last:
- Furnaces: 12-18 years
- Water heaters: 10-15 years
- Heat pumps: 12-18 years
- Thermostat: 15 years
Q: How do I know what size of water heater I need?
A: To start, you should choose a water heater based the size of your family and your home. A four-bedroom house for a family of six will require a different water heater than a single person in a small two-bedroom home. Then, consider the needs of your family and home. For example, a household with three teenage girls who take longer showers will require a larger water heater than a retired couple who moves to Florida for the winter. Schedule an appointment with your local HVAC company to find the water heater that’s right for you.
Q: Why is regular maintenance important?
A: You visit the dentist on a routine basis to keep your teeth healthy. Like your teeth, your heating system also needs regular check-ups every year to stay in good working condition. Regular maintenance of your heating system is important to ensure that your family isn’t at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Furthermore, having your furnace, boiler, or water heater inspected annually can ensure that your unit is working efficiently. The comfort and safety of your home is very important to us at Valor Mechanical, which is why we offer V.I.P. Preventative Maintenance plans for our clients to deliver that peace of mind.
Do you have a question that didn’t make our FAQ list? Call our expert professionals at 507.218.8400 to learn more about your heating system.