4 Tell-Tale Signs That You Might Need a Heater Replacement
A functional heater becomes even more critical as the winter weather approaches. You may have noticed that your heater was struggling last year. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to invest in a heater replacement.
A Skyrocketing Heating Bill
An increase in your heating bill could just be because it’s getting colder outside. If you pair an increase in consumption, but you aren’t noticing an increase in your level of comfort, your heater may be having some problems. Difficulty maintaining temperature is one of the classic signs that your heater is about to break. This is because it has to run more in order to keep up with the demands of your household. Have it looked at sooner rather than later so that you don’t have to go without heat.
Chronic Costly Repairs
Heating repair may be an option if there are minor things wrong with your heating unit. Another thing that you’ll want to consider investing in are regular inspections so that a problem can be identified early. If you’re chronically having to call in a heater repair service, it may be to your benefit to replace your heating unit. Consider the costs of the repairs and weigh it against the expense of a new unit to see if the breakdown is worth it.
Age of the Heater
The age of your heater makes a difference. For example, the average furnace lasts about 16 to 20 years. This is because the parts start to degrade and won’t function as efficiently. You may be able to determine the age of your furnace by looking for the date of manufacture on the unit itself. Another indicator for the age of a furnace is whether it has a pilot light. Newer models don’t use pilot lights, so this could help you in determining if it’s time for a replacement.
Noticeable Flame Changes
The flame of your furnace should be blue when it’s burning. This is to ensure that the gas being burned is being used as efficiently as possible. A yellowish flame could indicate that carbon monoxide is being released back into your home. This dangerous gas could prove to be deadly for your family. Another precaution that you should take if you have a furnace is to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
There are other signs that your heater is about to fail. Have an inspection performed if you feel as though your heater isn’t working correctly. Call a reputable heating company for an inspection or repair.