Is it Time for a New Heating System?

When you turn up the thermostat during the winter, you expect warm and toasty air to flow throughout your home. But what happens when the heating system begins to fail and can no longer keep up with your needs? In addition to being cold, you could face costly repairs.

While many problems with a home heating system can be fixed, especially if it is on the newer side, others will indicate that a new system is required. How can you tell the difference?

Signs your heating system needs to be replaced:

• Frequent repairs have become a necessity. Repairs and upgrades will always be vital for a heating system, but these are generally few and far between. However, if you find yourself calling a repair company to come to your home two or three times a month, chances are high that it is time for a new unit.
• The heater is not keeping your home warm. Of course, the most important job of the heating system is keeping your home warm and comfortable. If this is no longer the case, or you notice temperature differences between rooms that did not used to exist, the system could be failing. As units age, they have trouble evenly distributing the heated air.
• The system is more than two decades old. No matter how well you take care of your heating system, it will not run forever. The typical lifespan of a heater is about 20 years, so you should consult old paperwork to determine when the unit was installed. Should your unit fall into this timeframe, it is time to consider overhauling your heating system.
• You hear strange noises while the heater is on. Is your home’s heating system suddenly making peculiar new sounds? Heating systems make noises while they are operating, but loud squealing, screeching or clanging can mean the unit is on its last legs. These systems tend to make more of a racket the closer they are to the end of their lives.
• Your monthly energy bills are skyrocketing. Your heating bills naturally rise in the winter once the system is running consistently, though an excessive increase could indicate a deeper issue. Compare your current bills to the same time period of previous winters to determine whether the fluctuations are natural or not.

If you are facing an issue with the heating system in your home, contact Winters® Home Services at 617-221-5899 or connect with us online.