5 Signs You May Need a New Heater
The last thing you need during the cold season is for your heater to quit suddenly. So, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the signs that your heater needs replacement now to plan to do it before it fails.
Age
Your heater may be a workhorse, but it won’t last forever. The typical lifespan of a home heater is between 15 and 20 years, but there’s no set “expiration date” to alert you when to replace it.
A good rule of thumb is to plan on replacing the system sometime during the last quarter of its life. If you’re not sure how old your furnace is, check the user’s manual or call a certified technician for an inspection.
Rising Energy Bills
Your heater is one of your house’s most significant energy-consuming appliances, so its efficiency directly affects your heating bills.
If you find you’re paying significantly more over previous years, it’s likely your furnace needs attention.
Heaters lose efficiency as they get older, especially if they haven’t been well-maintained.
Call a heating pro to see if a tune-up fixes the problem or to discuss your replacement options.
Your Home Isn’t Warm Enough
If you feel cold inside despite the heater running is a good indication that your system isn’t performing as it should. However, this doesn’t always mean you need an immediate replacement; sometimes, a broken thermostat is the cause.
If your heater isn’t keeping you warm, experts recommend you don’t push it to get the results you want; instead, call a service technician to diagnose the problem.
Unusual Noises
Many homeowners never go near their furnace, but sometimes, standing next to it can reveal what condition it’s in.
Call a heating contractor immediately if you hear your heater make screeching, squealing, or grinding sounds during operation.
Improper Cycling
A typical furnace cycle involves starting up to warm up the house, powering down once it achieves the desired temperature, and on again once the temperature dips.
However, when the system cycles on and off erratically or runs constantly, it means something is wrong and that you should call a qualified pro to diagnose the issue.
You can count on Grand Canyon Home Services for expert repairs for all of your heater problems.
