When to Consider a Heater Replacement for Your Home

As a homeowner, there may be a number of personal reasons to consider a heater replacement. The age of your system, repair costs, and outdated technology may all be among the factors that contribute to your desire for a system upgrade. But for those who choose to wait until a replacement becomes necessary, things may be a bit more complicated. It can be difficult to tell what issues are cause for repair and what problems are more serious, if you notice them at all. 

When it comes time to replace your heating system, engaging the services of a reputable heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company like Optimum Air Solutions can help save you money and stress. Our team has all the tools and training we need to repair and replace a wide array of heating systems, allowing us to work on most any unit. Whether your system is old, outdated or too damaged to repair, we’ll collaborate with you in order to find a replacement that fits your preferences, budget and heating needs. 

How Long Does an Average Heater Last?

In order to determine whether your heating system’s age may be catching up to it, you first need to understand how long your home’s heater is likely to last. While the average lifespan of heating systems as a whole may be somewhere between 10 and 25 years, individual models may have more specific ranges, including:

• Furnaces. Most furnaces will probably last for around 15 to 20 years, though electric furnaces may last even longer, possibly up to around 30 years.
• Heat pumps. These heaters are generally expected to last from around 10 to 15 years, though high-quality and exceptionally well-maintained heat pumps may stay functional for closer to 20 years.
• Boilers. Depending on quality, your average boiler may last for around 15 years. However, some may last closer to 10, while others can be reasonably expected to function for about two decades.
• Radiant heating. While certain models may only function for around 20 years, others may continue working as intended—as long as they receive regular maintenance—for closer to four decades. However, parts of this system may fail even earlier. Hydronic radiant flooring, for example, which heats your home via water-filled tubing, requires components including a boiler and pump to function. These parts will likely need to be replaced well before the radiant heating system does.
• Ductless mini-splits. Although some may last for closer to a decade, the expected lifespan of your average ductless mini-split system is about 20 years.

If your malfunctioning heater is several years younger than its suggested lifespan, there may be something to worry about beyond the normal wear-and-tear that affects older units. These factors may include:

• Lack of maintenance
• High usage
• Your area’s climate
• Lacking or compromised insulation 
• Heating system installation issues
• The make and model of your heater

Signs that Your Heater Needs to Be Replaced

When it comes to heating systems, age may be one of the most surefire ways of determining whether a replacement is needed. However, it is far from the only method of doing so. As a homeowner, there are plenty of other signs you can look for to ascertain whether your heater needs an upgrade:

• Frequent repairs. If you have found yourself calling for maintenance visits more often, it may be a sign that your heater is on its last legs. You can also follow the $5,000 rule—that is, if the age of your system multiplied by the estimated repair cost exceeds $5,000, it is time for a heater replacement.
• Higher energy bills. A heating system which is experiencing efficiency issues, such as vent clogs, ductwork leaks or poor insulation, will use more energy to do its job, raising your monthly bill.
• Personal discomfort. A malfunctioning heater may cause issues including poor or inconsistent heating, lower-than-normal humidity levels, and an increased amount of debris—such as dust or dander—in the air. 
• Signs of damage, such as rust or cracking, on your furnace or other heating system components.
• Strange noises. While a heating system making noise isn’t odd in and of itself, excessive noises such as rumbling or banging may indicate problems with the structural integrity of your heater.
• Safety issues. A damaged heating system might not only affect your personal comfort, but also your safety. Old or faulty components such as furnaces, for example, may cause a carbon monoxide leak in your home. 

Experience Quality Heating Replacement Services with Optimum Air Solutions

When you work with a licensed and experienced HVAC company like Optimum Air Solutions, you gain more than just an expertly installed heater. Our home heating system upgrade services consist of four steps:

1. Consultation

Our technicians will take the time to learn about your preferences, budget, worries and home heating needs. During this conversation, it is our goal to reduce any stress or confusion you may be experiencing, as well as answer any questions you may have.

2. Choosing a new heating system

Using the information gained during the consultation, we will help you narrow down your heating system options until you find the brand and model that is right for you.

3. System installation

Our technicians will quickly and precisely install your new heating system, as well as complete post-installation testing to ensure that it is working properly.

4. Post-installation support

Our maintenance services and 24/7 phone line are always available to you in order to resolve any questions or home heating issues.

Contact Optimum Air Solutions and Schedule a Home Heating Upgrade Today

As a homeowner, you may be wondering when to engage a heat pump or furnace replacement service. This is a fair question—outside of relatively surefire factors such as age or frequent maintenance, many issues may be indicative of a need for repairs just as often as they signal that it is time for a replacement. Additionally, certain issues—such as inconsistent heating, high humidity and increased dust—may be easily overlooked or attributed to mundane causes. 

The easiest way to determine for certain whether your heating system needs to be replaced is by working with a reputable HVAC company like Optimum Air Solutions. Our technicians can perform comprehensive inspections to determine what degree of work is necessary. And if your home would indeed benefit from a heater replacement, we can assist you in finding the best system to suit your needs. So if your heater is on the fritz, or if you are looking for a home heating system upgrade, give us a call or send us a message today.