Your home’s heating system is essential for keeping you warm and comfortable during the winter months. However, as heaters age, they can develop various issues that impact their performance, efficiency, and overall effectiveness. These problems not only affect your comfort but can also lead to higher heating costs. In this article, we’ll explore the signs that indicate it may be time to repair or even replace your heating system.
Life Expectancy and System Age
All home heating systems have an expected lifespan. Even with regular maintenance, you should consider replacement when you reach that point. There are several reasons. The first is that heaters lose efficiency as they age due to wear and tear that is not repairable. Another is that there have been many advancements in efficiency since you purchased your old unit. A third is that time-sensitive energy incentives may be available. Consider the federal HEEHRA heat pump rebate. It’s worth as much as $8,000, but when funding runs out, it will no longer be available.
The expected lifespan depends on the system type. The average life of an air-source heat pump is 15 years, whereas geothermal heat pumps usually last 25. Fuel-burning furnaces last 15-20 years, while an electric furnace can last as long as 30 years.
Energy Consumption
Modern heating systems are highly efficient but also quite complex and prone to excessive consumption when there’s a malfunction. Heat pumps and electric furnaces can consume significantly more electricity than normal. Gas furnaces can burn a lot more fuel. That’s why the industry encourages homeowners to monitor their energy consumption. When there’s an unexpected spike in usage, schedule a professional inspection right away.
The old-fashioned way of monitoring your energy bills is by checking your monthly paper statement. However, these days, many providers offer this information online. In addition, some let you opt into notifications, such as for spikes in usage. On the other hand, if you decide to upgrade to a smart thermostat, you can take energy monitoring to the next level. They allow you to track your energy usage in real-time, and their apps even offer energy-saving tips.
Visible Rust or Cracks
Rust in a gas or oil-burning furnace’s combustion system typically signals a moisture issue. If caught early, a technician can clean the rust and address the underlying cause, such as a leak in a condensing furnace’s draining system. However, if the corrosion is extensive, it may be a sign that the furnace is beyond repair and may need replacing with a new furnace.
Cracks in a furnace’s heat exchanger are a more serious concern. A cracked heat exchanger cannot be safely used, as it not only reduces efficiency but also poses a health risk by allowing toxic gases like carbon monoxide to leak into your home. If cracks appear within the first 10 years of the furnace’s life, it may be covered under warranty. However, after this period, repairing or replacing the heat exchanger can be costly, and it often makes more financial sense to replace the entire heating system for long-term reliability and safety.
Frequent Repairs
If your heating system is frequently breaking down, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue making repairs. While the initial cost of a new system is higher, replacing an aging or failing system can save you money in the long run by preventing continuous repair expenses.
It’s important to discuss with your technician why these breakdowns are happening. For instance, if a major component has failed and caused damage to other parts of the system, simply replacing one part may not solve the problem. In cases like this, ongoing repairs can be a temporary fix that doesn’t address the underlying issue, and replacing the entire system is the more reliable and cost-effective solution.
Poor Air Quality
A well-maintained heating system should not negatively impact the air quality in your home. If you notice a decline in air quality when your heater is on, it’s a sign that something isn’t functioning properly. One of the first indicators of an issue is a sudden increase in dust accumulation. This could suggest that your heater needs cleaning. Alternatively, it could indicate that your ductwork has developed gaps, allowing dirt and dust from spaces like attics and crawlspaces to enter your forced air system.
Additionally, you should never ignore unpleasant odors. A musty odor can point to mold or mildew growing in the ducts, which could also negatively impact your health. Alternatively, a rotten egg smell typically indicates a gas leak, a serious safety concern that should be addressed immediately. A burning smell could signal an electrical issue within the system, which could eventually lead to a fire hazard. If you experience any of these issues, it’s essential to schedule an inspection with a professional technician to ensure your heating system is safe and functioning properly.
Uneven Heating
Uneven heating can present itself in several ways, such as a smaller room feeling significantly colder than the rest of the house or cold spots in larger rooms. Homeowners also often notice temperature differences between the upstairs and downstairs areas, with the upper floors sometimes feeling much colder. This issue can stem from an aging heating system that struggles to provide consistent warmth. For instance, an older blower motor may not circulate air as efficiently as it once did, leading to uneven heat distribution. Problems with your ductwork, such as leaks or blockages, can also contribute to hot and cold spots throughout the home. If you’re experiencing uneven heating, it’s worth having a professional heating technician inspect your system to identify and address the root cause of the issue.
Short Cycling
A typical heating cycle lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and occurs 2-3 times per hour. If your heating system turns on and off more frequently, it may be experiencing short cycling, which is often a sign of an underlying issue. Short cycling can be caused by something as simple as a clogged air filter, or it could indicate a more serious problem, such as an overheating system. Regardless of the cause, frequent cycling unnecessarily strains your heater, leading to increased wear and tear and potentially shortening its lifespan.
Start by checking the air filter and replacing it if necessary. If the problem persists, it may be due to one of the following issues:
- An electrical problem
- Faulty flame sensor
- Ventilation blockage
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- A refrigerant leak in a heat pump
If replacing the filter doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection to identify and fix the root cause of the short cycling.
Contact Your Local HVAC Professionals
At Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we have been serving the residents of Louisville, KY as well as the surrounding areas as well as Indiana and Ohio since 1940. We install, maintain, and repair heating systems and ACs. As your one-stop home care provider, we can also help with all your plumbing and electrical needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
