You’ve probably experienced it at least once. You wake up one frigid morning only to find that the heating system isn’t working. There’s no warm air coming into the house. In some cases, it’s a simple problem with an inexpensive fix. It can be a clogged filter or a circuit breaker that tripped. However, the repair could be so costly that it makes sense to choose a new heating system altogether. The question is when should you repair it and when should you get a different one?
Consider Safety
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Anytime the problem could be regarded as a safety hazard, then replacement is a necessity. For example, furnaces with cracked heat exchangers could lead to poisonous carbon monoxide leaks. However, if it is a stuck valve or faulty electronics, they can usually be repaired.
The Lifespan
When you’ve got a heating system that’s over ten years old, it may be time to replace the entire thing. Most forced-air furnaces are designed to last up to 20 years. Boilers for baseboard heating and radiators can last 21. However, it may not be cost-effective to continue repairing the problems as it gets older.
Likewise, the dates posted on the system don’t necessarily mean that you must replace it. This is true when it is a simple problem with an inexpensive repair. Just keep track of all the repairs you do in the space of a season or year. This will help determine whether or not it would be cheaper to replace.
Cost
Before looking for new heating system, it is best to determine how much it would cost to repair the problem. Many heating system specialists offer free estimates. Even if they don’t, a small fee can be more comparable to a new system.
You should replace your heater when:
- the equipment only has a few years left in its life expectancy
- the repairs will cost at or above a third to fix
Efficiency
Along with everything else, you can look at the effectiveness of your heating system. Determine if it should be replaced or repaired. Newer models are going to be more energy efficient. This could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year on utilities.
Likewise, some states offer local tax incentives for replacing heating systems with more efficient ones. Likewise, you may be able to get a tax credit from the federal government, depending on what you choose and need.
While you shouldn’t consider the tax credit by itself, dropping your electricity and/or gas bill by 25 percent could make you feel better about spending so much to replace the system.
A professional HVAC company can help you determine your AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) number if you’re unable to figure it out on your own. This way, you’ll know the percentage of fuel that is used as heat rather than being lost through inefficiencies, such as going up the chimney or being lost somewhere else.
Heating System Repair Service Hopewell Township NJ
Knowing when to repair or replace your heating system can save a lot of money. There is no point in repairing a system that truly needs to be replaced because the amount of money that you are spending on repairing it could go towards a new and more energy efficient system. The adverse is also true. There is no point in replacing a system that just needs a simple fix. You certainly don’t want to throw your money away like that. The key is to know the appropriate time to replace or repair your system as necessary.
When you need to repair or replace your heating system, contact Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning. Our Nate-certified HVAC specialists will be able to give you some intelligent pointers so that you know what you are facing. We will let you know when it is not worth repairing your system and that the time has come to get a new one. We will also be able to make recommendations on what type of system will work best for you and increase the energy efficiency of your home. This will help you can reduce your home heating costs. Be sure to give us a call when you need a heating system installation. We are among the few providers in NJ to hold a Carrier Presidents Award Dealer distinction.
We service Lambertville NJ 08530, Pennington NJ 08534, Titusville NJ 08560, New Hope PA 18938, Newtown PA 18940, Penns Park PA 18943, Pineville PA 18946, Washington Crossing PA 18977, Wycombe PA 18980, and surrounding areas!
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!