When dealing with heating, cooling and ventilation systems, designed to keep you comfortable and breathing healthy air at home here in Northern Indiana, you’ll come across the following rating systems for HVAC products. It pays to be an informed consumer, so here’s an outline of what the ratings and certifications mean to you: (more…)
If your furnace has been breaking down on a frequent basis, not providing the comfort it used to, or your energy bills are unexpectedly higher, you may need to repair or replace the unit. The last thing you want is for your furnace to break down in the middle of winter, so it’s important to know the lifespan of your furnace and be proactive with repairs.
EnergyStar recommends replacing your furnace if it’s more than 15 years old. At that point, the amount of money you will save on monthly utility bills is significant, because new systems are held to higher standards for energy efficiency. Newer furnaces are also made to function better, making your home more comfortable than ever before.
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to repair or replace your furnace, watch out for the following signs.
Signs You Should Repair Your Furnace
If you don’t think it’s time to replace your furnace just yet, it’s best to have a team of expert technicians examine your unit. They can determine if having it repaired is worth the price based on the unit’s lifespan and current condition.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be best to have your furnace repaired rather than replaced:
- Inadequate Heating: If your furnace is no longer providing sufficient warmth, even after adjusting the thermostat, it may indicate a problem with the heating element or distribution system.
- Unusual Noises: Strange sounds such as banging, clanging, or whining coming from the furnace could be signs of mechanical issues or loose components that need attention.
- Frequent Cycling: If the furnace turns on and off more frequently than usual, it might be struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, potentially due to a faulty thermostat, sensor, or other internal component.
- Pilot Light Issues: A malfunctioning pilot light, such as a flickering or yellow flame instead of a steady blue one, could signify problems with the ignition system, thermocouple, or gas supply.
- Increased Energy Bills: A sudden and unexplained spike in your heating bills could indicate reduced efficiency, possibly due to issues like a clogged filter, worn-out parts, or an aging furnace.
While a furnace can be repaired in many cases, there are times when it’s best to completely replace it instead.
Signs You Should Replace Your Furnace
If you’ve had your furnace for over 15 years and it continually has problems, it’s likely time to consider a full replacement. While replacing a furnace does come with an extra expense, it is worth it in the long run as you’ll save money on your energy bills and feel more comfortable in your home.
Here are a few signs you need a furnace replacement:
- Age of the Furnace: If your furnace is more than 15 to 20 years old, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan, and replacement could be a more cost-effective and energy-efficient option.
- Frequent Repairs: If you have had numerous repairs on your unit and the costs are adding up, it may be more economical to invest in a new furnace rather than continuing to patch up an old and potentially inefficient system.
- Visible Rust or Cracks: Physical damage to the furnace, such as rust or cracks, can compromise its structural integrity and safety. If you notice such issues, it’s a strong indicator that replacement is necessary.
Aside from the energy and money savings in the long term and making your family more comfortable, you will also be keeping your family safer and healthier with a new furnace. Older heating units waste energy and can also develop leaks over time that can allow dangerous and unhealthful conditions, such as the build-up of carbon monoxide or humidity, causing mold within the walls.
Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace
If your furnace is fairly new, one of the best things you can do to extend the lifespan of the unit is to have routine maintenance performed. This will ensure that any small problems are caught before they become too dangerous or expensive to fix.
You will also have a clean, well-tuned system that will run efficiently and reliably through the winter season, eliminating the need for any emergency repair visits. Maintenance is the best way to avoid the need to repair or replace your system early, allowing you to get the most out of your original investment.
Extend your furnace’s lifespan by allowing our HVAC technicians at Home Comfort Experts to regularly maintain your unit. When your system is reaching the end of its lifespan, we will carefully examine your furnace and determine whether it needs to be replaced or repaired.
Trust that we will help you receive the most cost-effective solution and stay warm all winter long. Contact us today if you need furnace repairs or installations in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.
Many people believe creating better heating and air conditioning efficiency for their homes means upgrading to a higher efficiency HVAC system. Depending on the age of your equipment, that option could very well be a winner. But it isn’t the only way to increase efficiency and generate utility bill savings. Your home’s HVAC system works in concert with your duct system, and the simple process of duct sealing could hold the key to major improvement. (more…)
Duct cleaning is an essential element of maintaining a healthy home and an efficient HVAC system. Neglecting this maintenance can cause the buildup of dust, germs and debris. This strains your system and leads to low efficiency and poor indoor air quality, one of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s top five health hazards in the country. Professional duct cleaning can not only increase the performance of your HVAC system and extend its lifespan, but improve your health. (more…)
Of the many options that exist to boost indoor air quality, one of the most thorough methods is to use a ventilation system to bring in air from outside and send out the stale air that is contained inside your home. Installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) in your home is one way to balance the ventilation, ensuring fresh, clean air is circulating throughout your home and maintaining proper moisture control. (more…)
When it comes to water heaters, the worst way to replace them is to wait until your current unit goes out completely. No one likes to make a decision about an expensive piece of equipment in an emergency situation. It’s much better to do the necessary research in advance so you can consider your needs as well as the ramifications of different types of water heaters.
Then again, it’s best to replace your water heater before any kind of emergency can develop. This isn’t just to avoid the inconvenience of being without hot water for an extended time; it’s also good practice. Water heaters more than five years old are considerably less energy-efficient than new models.
So, when it comes to water heater questions or concerns, proactive planning and timely replacement can save you energy costs.
4 Water Heater FAQs
When looking for a water heater replacement, it’s important to know exactly what your home’s specific needs are and which unit to purchase. If you don’t know what size or style is best for your home, consult our professional plumbers so you can find the best unit.
When getting your water heater replaced, make sure that you ask the right questions so you can make an informed decision.
1. What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters?
A tank water heater is designed to heat and store a fixed quantity of water in a large tank, typically ranging from 20 to 80 gallons. This heated water is readily available for various household tasks, like bathing, washing dishes, or doing laundry.
The device works by constantly maintaining the stored water at a preset temperature using either electricity, natural gas, or propane as a source of energy. While tank water heaters are cost-effective and provide a steady supply of hot water, they have limitations. They can run out of hot water if used excessively and are less energy-efficient due to standby heat loss, as they keep the water hot all the time.
In contrast, a tankless water heater, also known as an instantaneous water heater, heats water only when needed. It doesn’t store hot water in a tank but instead heats it as it flows through the unit.
Tankless water heaters are known for their ability to provide hot water on demand, making them suitable for households with varying hot water needs. They are more energy-efficient as they don’t suffer from standby heat loss, and they can last longer than traditional tank water heaters. However, tankless units can have higher upfront costs and may require modifications to accommodate the increased electrical or gas demand.
2. Should I Buy a Gas or Electric Hot Water Heater?
When deciding between a gas or electric hot water heater, you need to consider various factors to make an informed choice that suits your specific needs. Gas water heaters typically offer faster heating and are known for their lower operating costs, making them a preferred choice for larger households with higher hot water demands.
On the other hand, electric water heaters are generally more energy-efficient and have lower upfront installation costs. They are often preferred in regions where electricity is more affordable or for smaller households with lighter hot water needs. Additionally, electric heaters tend to require less maintenance over time.
The decision ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, such as your budget, the availability and cost of energy sources in your area, and your hot water usage patterns. To choose the best unit, speak with a professional plumber who can assess your home’s needs and best meet your budget.
3. What Are the Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters?
Those who live alone or have a small house find that a tankless water heater provides enough hot water for everyday use. Before you decide on buying a tank or tankless water heater, consider the benefits that come with a tankless water heater:
- Energy Efficiency: On-demand water heaters only heat water when needed, reducing standby energy loss and potentially saving you money on your utility bills.
- Endless Hot Water: Tankless heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water, ensuring you never run out, making them ideal for larger households.
- Space-Saving: Tankless units are compact and wall-mounted, freeing up valuable floor space in your home compared to traditional tank-style water heaters.
- Longer Lifespan: Tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than traditional ones, potentially lasting up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: With their energy efficiency and longer lifespan, tankless water heaters are more environmentally friendly, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional tanks.
4. How Should I Determine My Water Heater Sizing?
If your home is cramped for floor space, you can open up some room by switching over to a tankless water heater. With more space, you can place other items in the area where your old tank unit used to be. With a tankless water heater, you can maximize the functionality of your home, making it more versatile and accommodating to your needs.
Replacing water heaters is something all homeowners must face from time to time. By asking yourself these questions in advance, you can be prepared when that day comes.
If you need reliable advice, the professionals at Home Comfort Experts are always here to help if you have any questions or concerns. Contact us today or call us at (574) 319-7239 and ask us any hot water heater questions that can help you make an informed decision.
Not all furnaces are created equal. They all do the same job–heating the air in your home–but some furnaces require less fuel than others to produce that heat. These high efficiency furnaces save you money on utility bills, but they generally have a higher initial price tag. So, how can you know if they are worth the investment? (more…)
Indoor air quality needs all the help it can muster, particularly during the winter months when we spend the majority of our time inside. There are a number of ways you can insure that your family is staying as healthy as possible during these peak indoor and amplified heating months. (more…)
No matter which brand of furnace or air conditioner you have in your home, finding a qualified local contractor is key. Furnaces and air conditioners are manufactured in facilities with tight standards. However, in order to achieve the efficiency ratings advertised, you need to find a qualified local professional to maintain them and install new systems. Most HVAC professionals will tell you that the brand of equipment is important, but is only half of the equation. The other half is the quality of the installation workmanship. (more…)