So, you’ve been enjoying the warmth of your home in the middle of winter. Every now and again though, you suspect something is up with your heater. It may be making an odd sound, or simply not be as efficient as it once was. If you are wondering if it’s time to consider a replacement of your home heating unit, then this blog is for you.
How long should a home heater last?
You can expect your home heater to last anywhere from fifteen to thirty years, depending on the model you buy and how you maintain it. At fifteen years, you’ll need to consider a replacement. At thirty years, it’s definitely time.
Here are a few signs to look out for if you are wondering whether or not to replace your heater.
Strange Noises
You might need to replace your heater if you hear unusual sounds while it’s operating. While the odd creek here and there is okay, if you are hearing strange noises consistently, then it’s probably time to call in the professionals to take a look. Clanking, banging, or hissing means something is not as it should be.
The energy bills seem far too high
If you are noticing that your monthly energy bills are much higher than they used to be, then you might want to consider replacing your heater. Older heaters are simply not as efficient at heating your home.
Ongoing repairs
If you are having to repair bits and pieces of your home heating unit, then it’s definitely time to consider getting a new one. While maintaining a heater is part of being a homeowner, you shouldn’t have to keep getting the professionals in to replace parts here and there.
You can’t seem to get your home warm enough
If you are struggling to maintain the temperature in your home, then it may be time to replace your current model. It could be that the heater is too small for the size of your house or that it simply can’t cope with the conditions you need. Don’t dress the whole family in extra jumpers when a new heater will do the job.
Your furnace is emitting carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can cause serious health issues. If the heater isn’t correctly ventilated, then it might be emitting carbon monoxide into your home which you’d never know about until it’s too late. You may have a furnace with a cracked combustion chamber. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- There is rust on the pipes
- You are finding soot around the furnace
- There is no upward draft
- The flame of your furnace is yellow and not blue
- You are experiencing health issues, such as nausea or headaches
Your heater was installed more than 15 years ago
The older the heater, the more problems you might have with it. As with all mechanical components, home heaters have a lifespan. If it’s older than 15 years, you might want to consider replacing it. Our team of experts can take a look to see if your heater has come to the end of its life, or if it still has a few more years in it.
When it comes to heating in Reno, NV, our experienced team knows will be able to give your home heater a thorough assessment and let you know if it needs replacing or not.