Carrier furnace in a home setting with storage items nearby, showcasing modern design and safety labels for HVAC efficiency.

Best Time to Install a New Heating System

Make Fall More Enjoyable by Keeping the Home Comfortable

Fall is known for Halloween and cooler temperatures. One of the spookiest things that can send a chill down a homeowner’s spine is being faced with a big decision regarding home maintenance. Sometimes, that chill comes from a malfunctioning heater that needs replacement. The stress of deciding between heater repair and new heater installation can be scarier than the season. 

Luckily, there are signs that a heater is failing that homeowners can spot. When owners take heed of these signs and plans, heater installation goes much more smoothly. Here are the three most common signs of a failing heater so homeowners can start to plan for heater replacement. 

Old Age and High Repair Bills

For most people, the decision regarding heater repair compared to heater replacement will ultimately boil down to a financial decision. Weighing the cost of repairs against the cost of replacement can help homeowners make sound financial decisions when upgrading their heaters. To help make this decision easier, owners should tally up the costs once a technician has given a quote for repairs and replacement. If the cost of repairs is more than 25% of the replacement cost, heater replacement is likely the best choice, regardless of other factors. 

The choice becomes even clearer when high repair bills are coupled with old age. Most heaters are expected to last between 15 and 20 years. During this period, heaters will succumb to long-term systemic failures that require very expensive repairs. If repair bills are starting to mount, the heater is within this range of life expectancy, so installing a new heater makes more sense than limping it along for another season. 

High Monthly Utility Bills

Woman reviewing utility bills at a desk with a laptop and coffee cup, reflecting on financial decisions related to heater efficiency and costs.Heater manufacturers make heating equipment adhere to federal codes governing minimum efficiency. The only problem is that the heater’s efficiency will drop over the years. Heaters operating at minimum efficiency standards can be expected to perform 15% less properly after 15 years and can even add up fast.

If high bills plague a homeowner in the winter, a major contributor is an inefficient heater. To control monthly bills, homeowners can schedule heater installation this fall to maximize energy savings. 

The Home Is Cold

Woman wrapped in a blanket, sitting on a couch with a laptop, looking cold and uncomfortable, illustrating the need for efficient heating in a home.Heaters are intended to make the home more comfortable in the fall and winter. The last sign that heater replacement may be needed is when the heater allows the home to become uncomfortable. This occurs with hot and cold spots at home, indicating poor airflow. The burner may be dirty, damaged, or neglected and not produce enough heat to keep the home warm. If the home hasn’t been as comfortable as in years past, it may be due to an outdated heater. A new heater can help restore lost performance and make the home feel cozy again. 

About Great Day Plumbing and Air

Great Day Plumbing and Air offers straightforward pricing for heating services. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they custom-tailor heating solutions for residential and commercial customers. Call today for a heating installation service in Wilmington, NC.