Schedule Home Heater Installation in the New Year!
The calendar may have turned to a new year, but that doesn’t mean winter is over. Now is the perfect time for homeowners to consider replacing their existing heating system to ensure a warm and comfy home until spring arrives. In this article, heating experts share some of the signs that a home needs heating replacement, explain how to pick the best heater for a specific home, and outline the kind of heating maintenance homeowners need to complete each year.
Signs That Heater Replacement Is Necessary
There are several signs that may indicate a home requires heater replacement. For starters, it is important to consider the age of the unit. A heating system typically only lasts about 10 to 20 years or so before heating replacement becomes necessary.
Strange noises coming from the heater are another troubling symptom, as is a low airflow rate. It’s also wise to keep an eye on the home’s utility bills; increasing heating costs can indicate that the system is failing and heater replacement is required.
Furnace or Heat Pump: Choosing the Right Kind of Heater for a Home
There are two basic heater options that are commonly used in California: heat pumps and furnaces. Either type can work in a home, but each provides a different set of benefits and drawbacks.
Heat pumps are very efficient heaters, which work by absorbing small amounts of heat from the air (even when it is cold outside) by using a refrigerant and then transferring this warm air into a home. This also makes heat pumps more environmentally friendly. However, the upfront costs associated with heat pumps can be higher than furnaces.
Furnaces are less efficient than heat pumps, but they have a number of benefits. For example, they typically last longer than heat pumps; furnaces often last for 15 to 20 years, while heat pumps rarely last longer than 15. Furnaces can also heat air more effectively in cold temperatures, but this isn’t as important a consideration for California residents as it is for those living in colder climates.
Generally speaking, furnaces are also less expensive to operate than heat pumps. However, they burn fossil fuels when operating, making them less eco-friendly than heat pumps that are powered by renewable energy sources.
The Importance of Maintaining a New Home Heater
No matter which kind of heating system you select, it is vital that homeowners carry out regular heating maintenance. This will ensure that the system remains efficient and helps keep the heater safe.
Regular air filter replacement is required for either type of heating system, and it is important that homeowners do so once every three to six months. It is also important to clean the burners and inspect the heat exchange element in furnaces.
For heat pumps, it is important to ensure that refrigerant levels remain within the proper range and to clean the coils regularly. Generally speaking, heat pump maintenance is more complicated than furnace maintenance because the unit works as both a heater and an air conditioner.
About Elite Comfort Systems
Elite Comfort Systems has provided HVAC services for the Brentwood community since 2008. They are dedicated to keeping their customers’ HVAC systems safe, comfortable, and efficient, providing transparent pricing and reliable service. Call Elite Comfort Systems today for heater installation services in Brentwood, CA.
