To get through the cold winter months, most homeowners rely on a heating system, such as a furnace or heat pump. Each heating system will come with its own estimated lifespan that can vary depending on numerous factors, like how much maintenance it receives. As your heating system is nearing the end of its lifespan, there are a few key signs that you'll want to be on the lookout for that will signal a potential upcoming failure.

Insufficient Heating

One of the most obvious signs that you're going to notice is that your heating system isn't producing enough heat for your home. As a heating system ages, it will start to become less efficient. You may notice that your rooms are colder than they once were, and it may seem like no matter how high you turn up the thermostat, your home just doesn't get up to the temperature you have your thermostat set to.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

As your heating system ages, its internal components become less and less efficient. You'll find that your heating system will have to run for much longer periods of time to create the same amount of heat. This will lead to much higher energy bills for your home during the winter months.

Frequent Repair Calls

One obvious indicator that your furnace is likely on its last leg is that it needs frequent repair service. Most heating systems will only need a handful of repairs over their entire lifespan. If you must call more than once a year for professional repair service, it's cause for concern. In most cases, experts suggest upgrading to a new system if the cost of repairing your existing system is equal to one-third or more of the cost of a new system.

Odd-Colored Burner Flame

When your fuel-burning heating system is functioning optimally, its burner flame should be a bright blue color. This signifies the complete combustion of your fuel. If the flame takes on a yellow, orange, or even red appearance, it can signal that the fuel isn't burning correctly. This is typically the result of excess air getting into the burner due to cracking in the heat exchanger. This incomplete combustion can leave behind toxic carbon monoxide that can seep out through the cracks in the heat exchanger. Because a backup of carbon monoxide in your home can be deadly, it’s usually necessary to replace the entire heating system when these cracks develop.

Unusual Noises

Most heating systems only make a minimal amount of noise when they first start up. For example, a furnace will make a clicking noise and then a whooshing noise as its burner starts up. If you start to hear other noises developing in your system, it's necessary to get them looked at. Some noises can indicate serious problems with your heating system that may require replacement service. Some of these noises include popping, humming, booming, and banging.

Visible Corrosion

One surefire sign that your heating system is going to need to be replaced soon is corrosion. Corrosion will develop over time if your heating system is exposed to an excessive amount of water. As its metal components start to corrode and deteriorate, it can cause malfunctions in your heating system's operation. The location of the corrosion and its overall extent will determine whether a replacement service is necessary.

Uneven Heating

Another key sign that will indicate that your heating system is nearing the end of its lifespan is that it's no longer evenly heating your home. You'll likely notice that the rooms farthest away from your heating system are struggling to get warm. This problem is typically caused by inefficient system operation, or your heating system just isn't able to provide an adequate amount of heat for your entire home. It's important to have a professional evaluate your uneven heating issue, as some cases may be caused by a blockage in your ductwork.

Indoor Air Quality Issues

Another common sign that your furnace is starting to fail is a decrease in your indoor air quality. You may start to notice that dust and debris are building up on the surfaces throughout your home. If you've checked to ensure that your air filter is in good working condition, the issue could be with weak airflow due to an aging HVAC system.

Increased Equipment Age

It's a good idea as a homeowner to keep track of how old your HVAC system is so you have an idea of when a replacement is likely necessary. Each type of heating system will have its own estimated lifespan. For example, most fuel-burning furnaces will last for between 15 and 20 years. Electric furnaces have a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years. Air-source heat pumps will last between 10 and 15 years. Boilers can last around 15 years. Whenever your heating system approaches a couple of years of its estimated life span, it's time to start planning and budgeting for a replacement service.

Importance of Annual Maintenance Service

Scheduling annual service for your heating system is an absolute necessity for numerous reasons. One of the more important reasons is that it allows you to learn how much longer your heating system is likely to last. One of our technicians will be able to reveal if your heating system is starting to become inefficient so you can make future plans for a replacement at a time that works best for you. It's always better to have adequate time to plan for a replacement service as compared to being stuck with an unexpected system failure.

The Benefits of Getting a New Heating System

It's important to consider all the great benefits that you have the potential to gain from upgrading to a new system. One of the most obvious benefits is enhanced energy efficiency. Heating systems today are much more energy efficient than those produced just 10 years ago. The more efficient your heating system is, the lower your utility bills will be. Another reason to consider an upgrade is that it will come with a brand-new system warranty. This will help to cover the cost of defective components, so you don't have to worry about paying for them out of pocket. Plus, a new heating system is much less likely to break down than an aging heating system. This can go a long way in providing you with peace of mind about the functioning of your heating system going into the winter season.

Helpful Heating Repair Service

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® offers helpful heating repair services for the entire Toms River, NJ area. We can assist with all your heating, air conditioning, emergency repair, indoor air quality, ductwork, thermostat, and oil-to-gas conversion needs. Simply give us a call today to book your next service consultation with one of our experienced HVAC technicians at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®.