You may not want to think about getting your Pensacola home’s heater replaced, but the time will eventually come when a replacement is necessary. Fortunately, there are signs to look for so that you’re not surprised by a full system breakdown.
Current Issues With the Heater
First, consider any issues you’re already facing with your heating system. Heat pumps and furnaces that are failing will commonly suffer from extremely long or short cycles. The typical heating cycle is between 10 and 15 minutes long, and the system will cycle two or three times an hour, depending on the temperature outside. Abnormal cycles may be the result of a minor issue like a broken limit switch, in which case you could opt for repair and hold off on a complete replacement.
However, if you’ve already invested hundreds of dollars into repairs and the system hasn’t improved its performance, the system may be too old to warrant more service.
Furnace Age
Let’s say that your furnace or heat pump is facing a major repair, like a blower motor replacement. This could potentially keep your system running for years to come, but you should take into account its current age.
Gas furnaces last between 10 and 15 years, while oil and electric furnaces can continue functioning for 20 or 25 years. This is assuming that you schedule professional maintenance once a year. Heat pumps run well for 15 years, and you may be looking at double that length of time for the ductless variety. For a system that’s close to the end of its life, consider replacement as the more cost-effective route.
New Systems and Increased Efficiency
Current heaters boast greater energy efficiency than older models. Rather than fixing up an older and less efficient system, you could opt for a more immediate improvement in your heating situation. There can be rebates to take advantage of, which help you save even more money.
If you live in Pensacola, you can leave the replacement process up to the experts at Bluewater Heating & Air. Besides repairing and installing heaters, we specialize in installing indoor air quality systems and spray-foam insulation for ducts, among many other services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
