Start the New Year Right With a New Heater
Many people wait to get a heater replacement when their existing heater fails and leaves the household cold when they need heating the most. However, homeowners who pay attention to the warning signs can predict when a heater is failing so they can call professionals for heater installation before being stuck in a cold home. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners with heating replacement, including signs it’s needed, types of heating systems to consider, and the importance of maintaining the new heater.
Signs Heater Replacement Is Needed
Predicting when a heater is likely to fail takes a little knowledge. Some of the signs that a heater won’t make it through another winter and needs replacing include:
- The current system is over 15 years old.
- Numerous expensive repairs have been necessary in the last few years.
- High energy bills have gotten worse.
- Loud operation or new, unusual noises.
- Poor indoor air quality and heating performance.
When noticing these signs, homeowners shouldn’t delay calling a technician to inspect their heaters to determine if a new one is needed.
Choosing the Right Heater
The nice thing about working with heating professionals is that the homeowner isn’t left alone to try and figure out what type of heating system they need. Heating professionals can help discuss options for heating and determine the proper sizing of equipment to maximize comfort and efficiency in the home.
Increasingly, homeowners are switching to ductless mini-split heat pumps during heater replacement projects. These units provide energy-efficient heating and cooling without the need for ductwork. The indoor units provide zoned heating and cooling, allowing for energy savings by avoiding energy losses and the ducts and by only needing to heat and cool spaces that are occupied.
So, while a traditional forced air furnace has a lower upfront cost, heat pumps allow homeowners to reduce their monthly heating and cooling costs. Furnaces also generally have a longer lifespan than heat pumps, so what system to install depends on what benefits homeowners prioritize.
Heating Maintenance
Heating maintenance is necessary for all heaters, whether they have been in service for 15 years or are newly installed. However, heating maintenance is crucial for newly installed heaters to keep them working at their best, and it can help keep the machinery under warranty. Heating maintenance is important for helping homeowners avoid unnecessary repairs and issues. Well-maintained heaters are less likely to fail and need repairs because they are inspected and lubricated to ensure they aren’t slowly succumbing to wear and tear.
Along with repair prevention, heating maintenance helps lower utility costs by improving efficiency and extending the heater’s lifespan, avoiding early replacement. Regardless of the unit's age, heating maintenance is a great way to keep bills low and avoid surprising problems in the middle of the winter.
About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions
A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving the Austin area. They offer flat-rate prices and financing and are fully licensed. Call them for heater installation and replacement services in Austin, TX.
