Should I Repair or Replace?

My Heating System: Should I Repair or Replace?

Living in New York, you know that your heating system is an essential part of your home. You and your family rely on it to stay comfortable all winter long – and sometimes from the fall through the spring. For that reason, it’s so important to make sure your heating system is working both effectively and efficiently.

There are steps you can take to ensure your heating system runs smoothly, no matter how cold it gets outside. The best way is to make sure you get annual maintenance. During maintenance, your technician will clean your system, eliminating the dirt and buildup that accumulates in it over the year of use. They’ll make sure it is operating safely, and alert you to any repairs that need to be made. Getting annual maintenance also helps keep the manufacturer warranty intact – a big plus if you find yourself having to have extensive repairs.

How do you know whether to repair or replace, though?

Even with annual maintenance, a point in time will come that your system either needs a big repair or a replacement. How can you determine whether or not your system should be replaced? There are a few indicators that can alert you to the inevitable. If you notice any of the following, you could need to consider replacing your system.

Your current system is old. Heating systems usually last anywhere from 10-20 years. If your system gets a lot of use or hasn’t had regular maintenance, you could be looking at the lower end of that scale.

Your heating system isn’t keeping you comfortable. As systems age, they have to work harder to warm your house. If you’ve noticed a decrease in comfort over the last couple of years, or you have to turn the thermostat up higher for it to heat your home effectively, it might be time to think about replacing.

You’ve noticed an increase in energy bills. Of course, utilities can be costlier from year to year. But if you’ve noticed a spike in your utility bills that doesn’t coincide with an increase in utility prices, then it means your system is working harder – and using more energy – to do the job it has always done.

You’ve created more space in your home. When you have a heating system installed, your HVAC company generally sizes it according to the needs of your home. When you add on space such as a finished basement, converted attic, or addition, it can make your system have to work harder and operate less efficiently in order to heat the entire home.

You’ve experienced some major repairs. If you’ve had some breakdowns that require expensive repairs, you might want to weigh that against the cost of a new system. What you’re spending in repair bills and system inefficiency might be more than what you could save with a new system.

At Family Danz, we can help you decide if repair or replacement is the right choice.

We understand that nobody wants to think about the cost of installing a new heating system. It’s a significant investment. But, you should know most of today’s heating systems are highly energy-efficient and effective, so in the long run, you’ll be saving money instead of losing it to repairs and inefficiency. Of course, we won’t suggest a replacement unless it’s necessary – and if it is, we’ll work with you and your budget to help you get a heating system that keeps you comfortable.