A Cozy Home
Household members and guests must layer up just to sit indoors without a fully functional heating system. While this is fine for the fall and spring, winters in Denville require additional warmth. Since it can be difficult to know whether a heater is worth fixing, a few key signs can help homeowners decide.
How Old Is the Heater?
A typical furnace lasts 15 to 20 years and requires proper annual maintenance. If homeowners are experiencing frequent shutdowns or need repairs more than once or twice per year, this usually indicates that the heater has passed its prime. On average, boilers last significantly longer and can still run efficiently for up to 30 years. If a boiler malfunctions after only 13 years of use, it can usually be repaired for a fraction of what it costs to replace it.
A faulty thermostat is usually associated with aging heaters. As the system begins to deteriorate, it tends to fail in specific ways. Issues with the pilot light and duct leaks happen more often than usual. Once the heat exchanger is damaged, a new heater installation can be more affordable.
Unusually High Utility Bills
When a heater is no longer efficient, monthly bills will increase. Depending on the exact cause, this can determine whether the heating unit needs repairs or replacement is necessary. Dirty air filters can be easily swapped, but poor furnace installation or damage to the inside components is harder to fix. If there is an extreme spike in the utility bill, there is something wrong with the equipment at home. This could be due to extreme weather or a broken compressor. Homeowners will better understand what is normal for their home by keeping track of monthly bills throughout the year.
Faulty heating replacement can also cause an increase in monthly expenses. This can happen due to sizing requirements or electrical malfunctions. When the heater must work harder to push hot air through the vents, this decreases efficiency and will not improve.
What About Cold Spots?
Cold spots are not as mysterious as they may seem. Often, they are caused by closed vents that redirect warm air into another room. If all the vents are open and the temperature is consistently different from room to room, the ductwork or installation may be to blame.
Heating equipment must be sized correctly to provide even heat throughout the home. If the furnace replacement is oversized, it will heat too quickly, resulting in temperature fluctuations throughout the day. If the heating system is too small, it cannot heat an entire house. Professional heating installation is important for apartments and houses, regardless of location.
Air ducts are designed to help with airflow. If certain vents are not providing a steady stream of warm air, the ductwork may be affected. After approximately 15 years, even the best of ductwork will begin to rip.
Air leaks are like open doors for warm air to escape. Once enough warm air has migrated away from the ducts, most of the home feels colder than normal. If the heater is constantly running, this indicates that heating replacement services may be necessary within the year.
About PHD Mechanical Inc
PHD Mechanical Inc provides heating installation and repair services for Denville, NJ. Their experienced technicians have the tools and knowledge to fix any heating issue quickly. Contact them today to learn more if you need a heater repair or replacement service in Denville, NJ.
