Heating systems only have a limited lifespan, and there will always come a time when you need to have your system replaced. Knowing when that time comes is essential; otherwise, you risk suddenly having your heating stop working when you need it most. With this in mind, here are the most common signs indicating that you need to replace your heating system.
1. Age
This first one is fairly simple. If your current heating system was installed more than 12 to 15 years ago, it is definitely time to start thinking about replacing it. Furnaces typically have a maximum lifespan of around 15 years, and many units won’t even last this long. If your heating system is approaching the end of its life, it is always best to start looking at your replacement options.
After all, the last thing you want to happen is for your heating to suddenly fail in the middle of winter, as then you could be left without heat for at least a few days while you wait to have the system replaced. The easiest way to ensure that you continue to have heat all winter long is to be proactive and replace your old heating system before it completely dries. Heating replacement will also provide major long-term benefits in terms of your energy bills, as virtually any new unit you choose is guaranteed to be much more energy efficient than whatever you currently have.
2. Skyrocketing Energy Costs
As long as you have your heating system professionally maintained every year, your heating costs should stay relatively high from month to month or year to year. A sudden spike in your energy bills from one month to the next during the winter usually means you need to repair your heating system. However, if you notice that your heating costs continue to rise more with each passing year, it is a good sign that your heating system can no longer work as efficiently and effectively.
You may be able to repair your system so that it functions better in the short term, but this typically isn’t worth the cost if your heating system is more than 10 years old. In this case, you will be far better off having the system replaced as it will help to ensure that your home stays warmer and also make a huge difference in how much it costs to heat your home.
3. Lack of Sufficient Heat
Furnaces will typically produce less and less heat the older they get, and this often results in the heating system running almost constantly and the home still feeling cold. If your heating system is working properly, it should typically only ever run twice an hour for around 15 to 20 minutes each time. If you find that your system runs much more frequently or for much longer times, it either indicates that it is no longer producing as much heat or that your furnace is too small for your home. In either case, replacing your heating system is really the only surefire way to overcome this issue and ensure that your comfort doesn’t suffer and your energy bills aren’t nearly as high.
4. Cold Spots Caused by Uneven Heating
Uneven heating is another common issue that can occur when a furnace starts to get older. This problem typically means that the furnace isn’t producing enough heat, which can lead to the rooms far away from it always staying colder. However, this is where you will want to first have your heating system inspected, as uneven heating can also result from issues with the blower fan or ductwork.
5. Frequent Repair Needs
As long as you are diligent about maintaining your heating system once a year, it shouldn’t ever need much in terms of repairs. If you suddenly find that your heating is malfunctioning and needs frequent repairs, it is a fairly obvious sign that the system is starting to fail and will soon need to be replaced. In this situation, replacing the system is almost always a better financial decision than continually spending more on expensive repairs.
6. Short Cycling
Short cycling is when a furnace turns on and then shuts down after only a few minutes without sufficiently heating the home. Short cycling can occur because of a variety of furnace issues. However, if you have had your system repaired or inspected and it continues to short cycle constantly, it likely means that the furnace is too large for your home. In this situation, the only real solution is to replace the furnace with a new unit that is the correct size for your home.
At Markool Heating & Cooling, we specialize in heating installation and can help you choose the best new system for your home. We can also help if you need any heating repairs or maintenance, and our team specializes in a full range of air conditioning services. Give us a call today to learn more about your heating replacement options or to schedule any residential or commercial HVAC service in the Frederick area.
