The furnace in your Salem or Keizer, OR, home will last for many years – but nothing lasts forever, and home furnaces take a lot of punishment. The combination of high heat, pressure, and numerous mechanical systems means that it will start failing over time, and eventually, the costs of furnace repair services will become too high.
So, is it time to look at replacing your furnace? Or can you keep ordering repairs for another year or two? Here are some factors to consider.
Three Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
1. The furnace is too old
Generally speaking, a furnace will run best for the first decade of service and then go downhill. It won’t fail immediately, of course, but most furnaces will only last around 15-20 years, even if they’re well-maintained.
So if your furnace is 15+ years old, you can assume it doesn’t have many more years left. That’s the point that replacement starts making more sense than repairs.
2. Repair costs are rising
How often are you calling for furnace repair services in the Salem-Keizer area? Even if your furnace is pretty old, there’s probably no reason to replace it if it’s not giving you trouble. On the other hand, if you find yourself calling for repairs every year – or more often – those repair costs are going into a money pit. It’s probably not worth continual repairs if you can afford a replacement.
3. You want better energy efficiency
Beyond maintenance factors with the furnace, there’s another issue here: energy efficiency. 2020s furnaces are far more energy-efficient than models from twenty years ago. Installing a new furnace is virtually guaranteed to reduce your energy bills at least somewhat, and the amount you save will largely depend on what kind of replacement you choose.
You might even want to consider a home heat pump, which replaces both your A/C and furnace with a single all-in-one unit. A heat pump has a smaller footprint, freeing up floor space and offeringthe best energy efficiency in the HVAC market.
Since 1966, Melton’s has been a leader in furnace repair services and sales in Salem, Keizer, OR, and across the Willamette Valley. If your current furnace is old and giving you problems, or you just want to upgrade to the latest and greatest in-home HVAC appliances, contact us to discuss your options!
By investing in the right heating system, you can heat your home effectively and efficiently and minimize breakdowns and repairs. However, it isn’t always easy to determine what type of heating system is best for your home. That’s why the professionals from Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning have condensed all you need to know about finding and buying the perfect heating system for you in this detailed blog.
1)What is the ‘Right’ Heating System?
The first step to selecting the ‘right’ heating system is understanding what the term means. Each home has unique needs and requirements. To find your ideal match, you need to consider several important factors like the size and location of your house, budget, stance on sustainability, etc. A correlation of these elements will help you find your perfect heating system in no time!
2) Finding Your Ideal Heating System
Let us take a look at how these factors affect your heating system choice:
Weather Conditions: The climatic conditions of a given area have a significant impact on the kind of heating system you need. In areas with extremely cold weather conditions, furnace sales are usually higher because they are more effective in such weather. Conversely, for moderate climates, a new heat pump is a good choice.
Room-Based Heating: If different rooms of your house have different heating requirements, you should invest in a mini split heating system.
AFUE Rating: A good metric to judge a given heating system is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) Rate. As the name suggests, the AFUE rate highlights the efficiency of a heating system. This percentage-based rate tells you the fraction of energy consumed by your heating system that is utilized in the heating process. Thus, a high AFUE rating is a good sign.
Energy Resources: Most people go for electricity-based heating systems. However, for those that are more environmentally conscious, natural gas may be a better choice. But not all houses are natural-gas compatible so this might not be a feasible option for everyone. To confirm if your home falls in this category or not you can check with your local natural gas company.
3) Benefits of Having an Efficient Heating System
It’s important to get a heating system that provides efficient and economic heating solutions. Spending some extra time and effort at this step can actually save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run in the form of lower energy bills, better performance, and the extended lifespan of the system you choose.
4) Popular Types of Heating Systems
Furnaces
Furnaces are arguably the most efficient and popular heating systems. They work by heating the air through a component called a heat exchanger. Once the air is warmed, a network of air vents and blowers are used to distribute it throughout your house. Every time the winter season rolls in, one can notice a spike in furnace sales, and for all the right reasons. Apart from being a highly reliable source of heat with a great AFUE rating, furnaces are also much more affordable compared to other alternatives.
However, one thing to note before buying a new furnace is that these machines are usually quite noisy. So, if this is a deal breaker for you, you may want to reconsider your choice.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is a dual-purpose system that serves both heating and cooling functions. It follows a simple method of heating (or cooling) that involves collecting air from the outside and heating or cooling it before pumping it indoors. People hail heat pumps for providing high-quality, filtered air and being virtually noise-free. If you favor these benefits over other factors, a new heat pump might be the best choice for you.
Boilers
Boilers work by heating water in a tank and using the warmth generated to heat up your house. The method involves pumping the hot water to individual radiators through a network of pipes, which then circulate the heat throughout your home. Boilers are popular because of their generally high AFUE ratings. They are available in electric and natural gas energy options and suit most households. As for the downsides, boilers are a relatively pricier heating option that demands significant storage space as well.
Buy Top Mini Split Heating Systems Near You
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers top-quality heating and cooling solutions near you. We provide sturdy HVAC systems and reliable repair and maintenance services. Enjoy amazing deals and offers on Mini Split Heating Systems. Contact us today!
As winter and fall approach, many homeowners will soon be powering up their heaters and furnaces to prepare for the cold. Scheduling your HVAC inspections and repairs before the winter is in full effect will allow you ample time to fix or replace your heater, so you don’t have to worry about your system breaking down mid-winter.
That’s why Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning has collected a list of some common signs that it’s time to get your heater repaired as soon as possible.
Woman Feeling Cold at Home Checking the Thermostat. Call Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning…
1) Spike in Energy Bills
A malfunctioning heater may not be evident initially, but there will be sure signs that signify a possible problem. One common sign is a sudden rise in your heating bills. A heater with issues will be less efficient and burn more energy to produce the same heat. The extra energy consumption can cause a significant rise in your usual bill. If this happens, book a HVAC heating repair service.
2) Frequent Heater Repairs
It goes without saying that if your machine requires more and more repairs, it may be time to replace it. After all, not only will you spend more on heater repair, but your system will not be able to heat your house as well as a new system – so you’ll save money by installing a new one.
An average furnace or boiler has a lifespan of about 18 years. However, the exact timeline is subject to several factors like brand, usage, maintenance, etc. Simple repairs might be enough to resolve the situation if your heating unit is younger than ten years.
3) Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your thermostat is not working correctly, it could be more than just a simple malfunction. A problem that seems like a broken thermostat might very well be an issue with your overall heating system. So, if you’re frequently adjusting your temperature setting, it may be time to schedule an appointment with our team.
Get expert heater repair and replacement services at competitive prices. We also offer financing options for those who are looking for new systems and installation. Contact us today to learn more!
