When It’s Time to Replace Your Heating System
Replacing your heating system is one of the biggest home investments you’ll make. If you’re forced to replace your heating system in the middle of winter because it has expired, it will become your most important investment! You can expect your furnace or boiler to operate smoothly for 12-15 years before its efficiency begins to wane. Newer heating systems are more effective and can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance and repairs. Still, the time will come when you need to replace your heating system.
Proactive Comfort’s experienced heating service team possesses the expertise to guide you through this very important process, especially in our region of New Hampshire where many of the homes are 150-plus years old.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
At around 12-15 years of age, your heating system will begin to provide clues it’s time to start considering a replacement. If you’ve been diligently servicing the system with preventative maintenance and staying on top of small repairs, you might be able to extend that lifespan a few more years. Regardless, here are some warning signs a heater replacement is on the horizon:
- Not working effectively: If some rooms are warmer than others or your system constantly runs, it’s a sign your heating system is nearing the end.
- Heating bills are skyrocketing: If your energy costs are sharply trending up, it’s an indication your unit is no longer efficiently producing heat.
- Strange sounds: Screeching, rattling, popping, creaking and other unusual noises are telling you there are damaged or broken parts that are speeding up the demise of your heating system.
Heater Replacement Choices
Most New Hampshire homes are equipped with either a boiler or furnace heating system. The efficiency of an upgraded heating system certainly will help offset the cost of rising energy bills, especially in our state where nearly 50 percent of the homes use heating oil.
Boilers heat homes by producing hot water that is circulated through pipes to heat radiators, baseboards or floors. Many older homes are heated via radiators that are warmed with water or steam. Typically, boiler heating systems are fueled by oil, propane or natural gas but not often by electricity. Boilers are a good choice for homes with family members who suffer from airborne allergens.
Furnaces are forced-air heating systems that utilize an exchanger to heat air that is then pushed through ducts by a fan to designated rooms in the house. Furnaces can be run with fuel oil, propane, natural gas and electricity. Usually, oil or propane are the fuel choices for those residing in rural areas while those who live in cities and towns often have the option of acquiring a natural gas hook-up.
When it’s time to replace your heating system, trust Proactive Comfort’s expert team to help you select the right Energy Star-qualified unit for your home. Not only is efficiency important, but so is correct sizing and installation of your new heating system. Our technicians are trained to ensure your heater replacement gives you the peace of mind you deserve during New Hampshire’s coldest winter nights. Contact us to replace your heating system.