The best way to take care of your heating system is to service it on a regular basis. Getting an annual tune-up in the fall is the best time of year to do this. However, when the unit breaks down, effective repairs by a professional can go a long way in extending its lifespan. It is important to note, however, that it is useless to repair or service a heater when it is nearing the end of its lifespan. This is because the maintenance work and repairs will cost you a lot of money and the heater will continue having low fuel efficiency, poor performance and break down on a regular basis. It is important for property owners to know when to repair or replace their heating systems as this will save them a lot of money. The following tips will help you make the right decision when the time comes.
The two most popular types of heating systems are; forced air heaters and hot water systems. A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found that forced air systems have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years while hot water systems have an average lifespan of 13 to 21 years. When your boiler or furnace breaks down, the first thing you need to check is whether the heating system has outlived its expected lifespan. You can check the metal identification plate on your furnace or boiler to see the serial number and model number of the heater then call your heating company to ask about the date of manufacture. If your heating system has exceeded the expected lifespan, you should consider replacing it.
Depending on the size of your home, getting a new hot air furnace can cost up to $4,000 or more, depending your home and your needs. On the other hand, a new boiler for hot water radiators and baseboards can cost between $4,000 to $8,000. If your heating system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it as opposed to dealing with emergency repair calls. After all, the same problem may recur soon after the repairs.
Old heating systems usually burn a lot of fuel to make up for their inefficiencies. This means that you will not only incur huge energy bills, but also increase your carbon footprint when you use an old hot air furnace or boiler. According to experts, old units that are operating inefficiently have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of less than 70%. Newer models have a minimum AFUE of 80%, which means that you can save at least 10% of your fuel consumption when you replace the old unit. This translates to a decrease of 10% on your heating bill. Please note that some models come with AFUE as high as 95%. The good news is that you will also get tax credits from the government for acquiring an energy efficient heating system.
If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, it will release poisonous gasses into your air supply system. While other problems can be easily fixed, a cracked heat exchanger poses a serious threat to your family’s safety, so you should have the furnace replaced immediately.
There is no point in repairing a heater that simply needs to be replaced. Replacing it will save you money in the long run. Furthermore, you will be able to reduce your home heating costs because your new system will run more efficiently. The adverse is also true. It is more economical to repair your heating system when you have a simple and inexpensive fix. A reputable HVAC company will be able to guide you and let you know which option is best for you.
Ace-Robbins specializes in exceptional HVAC services. We offer furnace repair services as well as boiler repair services. We also deliver propane and offer heating oil delivery. Be sure to contact us for all of your home heating needs. We have been in business since 1961 and since then, we have been providing quality services at affordable prices.
We service Bear Creek PA 18602, Dallas PA 18612, Kingston PA 18704, Luzerne PA 18709, Nanticoke PA 18634, Pittston PA 18640, Plymouth PA 18651, Shavertown PA 18708, Wilkes-Barre PA 18701, Wyoming PA 18644, and all surrounding areas.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
