Spotting a heater that needs to be replaced can be a difficult task even for even the most trained and experienced technicians. However, you don't want to wait until your system finally gives out to get it replaced. Below we have listed the signs that tell you it's time to replace your heating unit.
Unusually Expensive Utility Bills
Have you noticed an increase in the cost of your electric or gas bill? This could be because your system is no longer heating your home as efficiently as it used to. The older your furnace or HVAC system is, the more effort it needs to run. The system will take longer to heat the home to the desired temperature resulting in higher utility costs.
If this is the case, it's best to have the team at Wolff's Plumbing & Heating replace your current system with a higher efficiency model. These types of heaters will require less energy to heat your home and can save you money on your bills.
In Need of Constant Repairs
If your heating system has been running into mechanical problems that require replacement parts lately, it might be time to just replace the entire unit. Heaters will pick up wear and tear over years of running, which will cause more frequent breakdowns. While new parts may not be as expensive as a new unit, frequent repairs will add up over time, and it may just be cheaper to replace the entire system.
If your heater is frequently breaking, you can call the professionals at Wolff's Plumbing & Heating. who will assess the condition of your heater to determine if a repair or replacement is best for you.
Household is Feeling Sick
If you're noticing that you or members of your family have been experiencing unexplainable flu-like symptoms such as nausea, headaches, or burning eyes, your heater might be the cause. Over time your system's heat exchanger may become cracked because of expansion and contraction. These holes in your heater will allow carbon monoxide to leak out and bring on the symptoms your family is feeling. If you're experiencing these symptoms and believe it is due to cracks in the heat exchanger, it's best to call a professional right away, as the situation can be very dangerous.
Yellow Flame
When heating your home, efficient furnaces in working order will always put out a blue flame. If you see that your burners are producing yellow flames, it might be a sign that your heater is producing carbon monoxide. Yellow flames can also mean that there is a dangerous gas leak that should be repaired immediately or that your system has an improper combustion process. The moment you notice that your heater is producing yellow flames, you should call a technician to inspect the system and see if it's time to replace the unit.
Turning Off and On in Short Periods
If you find that your heater kicks on and off in relatively short periods of time, it could be time to get a new unit. These quick phases are called short cycling, and it happens when your heat exchanger overheats, forcing the system to shut off. This cycling will strain your system leading to damaged equipment, higher energy bills, and uneven heating in your home.
Unable to Effectively Heat the Home
When your heater is on, do you notice sudden changes in temperature between rooms? If so, it might be time to replace your system. Heaters generally last about 15 years. After that, they begin to fail and become less efficient at heating your home. Uneven heating is usually just an early indicator your system is on its way out.
The Right Team For The Job
Your heater should be there for you when you need it most. If your system needs to be repaired or replaced, the expert team at Wolff's Plumbing & Heating has got your back. Give us a call at (605) 638-9996 to schedule your appointment today!