The system responsible for heating your home is probably not the first thing on your mind right now. We get it – who wants to think about heat now?! Can’t we enjoy summer first?! Well, if your heating system is more than 15 years old, or you experienced issues with it last winter, this is the exact time you should be thinking about it.
Eventually, heating systems, or part of them, will need to be repaired or replaced. The summertime is the perfect time to be researching and planning for your new system for a number of reasons. Heating technicians are not in the middle of their busy season so are more available to consult with you. Equipment and parts are readily available so any new equipment or repair parts will be accessible (and possibly cheaper).
How long your heating system will last depends on many different factors. The type of system you have, what level of quality (how good is the manufacturer) the heating unit and parts are, and how well maintained it’s been kept are all significant considerations. Generally, however, you can expect a heating system to last around 15 years. Forced-hot water boilers tend to last longer than their forced-air counterpart, Furnaces. Once a system is over this age, it’s time to start planning for your replacement system.
If your system is within five years of the estimated lifespan, it’s usually a better use of money to replace it. Once something begins to reach the end of its lifespan, things will start to break more often, which is costly. There are also risk factors to consider when dealing with older systems such as fire and air quality. If your system in on the brink and goes out in the middle of winter you risk a lot. Not only will you be very uncomfortable in a home without heat, but you risk freezing water pipes. That could cost you a lot more than what a new system would!
If you have an older system that needs repair, but the repair is minor ($100-$150) than it’s probably worth doing. Unless this repair represents one of many that you have had to do in recent years.
When determining whether to repair or replace a heating unit, cost is an essential factor. You should replace something if the repair costs have been mounting the last few years and you are faced with another expensive mend.
Every homeowner knows the value in having the right professionals at your disposal. Once you establish a relationship with a heating technician, you will receive better service. If possible, work with the same company consistently. This way the company knows your heating system well, the repair history, and will be better able to diagnose issues and counsel you on the timing and choices for a replacement system.
One of the best things you can do is work with a professional HVAC technician. If possible, work with the same company consistently. This way, the company knows your unit’s history and will be better able to diagnose issues.
