Common Issues with Aging Heating Equipment

Now is the time homeowners are thinking about turning on their heat, if they haven’t done so already. Although we’re still enjoying fall, it’s important to make sure your equipment is ready for heating season.   

Fall is the optimum time

Heating systems have hibernated through the spring and summer while air conditioning plays a key role. Downtime can be good for heating equipment, but it also presents the perfect opportunity for problems to arise and go unnoticed. Seasonal fall maintenance is the best way to identify and repair these problems before you and your family depend on heat the most.

Related:  What you can do to prepare your equipment for heating season

Although every home is equipped with different types of systems, it’s typical for heating equipment to last up to 15 years. Depending on the age of your unit, you could be using newer, more reliable equipment, or dealing with one that’s on its last leg. In either scenario, it’s important not to neglect equipment, and  it’s even more important to familiarize yourself with the signs that it’s failing.  

Recognizing aging equipment

Is heating equipment more than 10 years old? Some units will last 15 years, but it’s highly likely these older systems cost more to operate and repair. Age alone is one of the most distinguishable signs that it could be time for an equipment replacement.

Are energy expenses increasing? Check and compare monthly bills to see if energy costs are increasing. Understand how utility and energy consumption is charged. Spikes in usage during heating season could signify a standard increase in energy cost, but it can also mean the equipment is no longer operating as efficiently as it should.   

Is air quality a problem? Even with clean filters, an older unit can blow dust and other pollutants back into the air. These units can wreak havoc on indoor air quality. If you’re experiencing issues controlling dust, indoor allergens or your air is overly dry, it could be a sign of failing equipment.  

Is indoor comfort suffering? If it seems to take too long to reach a comfortable temperature, or it appears the system never stops running, it could be time for a replacement. It’s natural that as equipment ages, it becomes less efficient. However, heat that constantly runs, but doesn’t provide optimal comfort costs significantly more in energy bills, repairs and maintenance.  

Is the unit noisy? There’s a difference in the familiar hum of a system and an abnormally noisy unit. All types of heating equipment whether a boiler system, furnace or heat pump make noise, so being able to identify strange, unfamiliar sounds is critical. Units make excessive noise for several reasons—improperly sized equipment, incorrectly sized ductwork, and malfunctioning coils just to name a few.  

Related:  HVAC life expectancy and performance tips

If you’ve answered “yes” to one or more of these questions you’re probably realizing a problem may exist with your equipment. It’s time to consider the investment you’re making in the current unit, factoring in all elements such as energy bills, repair costs, maintenance fees, etc. against the price of new equipment and potential long-term savings.  

Take the next steps to ensure comfort this winter

Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. has over 40 years experience servicing and installing HVAC systems. Our technicians are highly trained to detect and troubleshoot most any problem that could occur with your system. Part of our residential maintenance service includes inspections of all equipment components. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your system is optimized for heating season, and equipment is in good shape to provide comfort until spring. 

Why not have seasonal maintenance and an equipment inspection performed now to ensure your heating system works efficiently through winter? Contact Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. today to schedule a tune up.