Stay Warm This Year With New Heater Installation
There is still plenty of winter left to go before spring and that means there is ample time for the heater to fail. When the heater in the home fails, it can cause homeowners stress as they scramble to decide whether to pay for expensive repairs or install a new heater. If the current heater needs frequent repairs or is aging, this may be the best year to consider heater installation. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners react when they decide to upgrade the heater.
When to Schedule Heater Replacement
The vast majority of homeowners are not HVAC experts, so they may feel out of their depth when it comes to troubleshooting HVAC problems or predicting when the heater will fail.
In reality, every homeowner can learn the signs that a heater is nearing the end of its useful life so that they can appropriately prepare for heater installation. Some of these signs can include:
- Frequent Repairs: Heating repairs usually cost several hundred dollars. If the current unit has needed multiple repairs over the last few years, the owners may be wasting money on repairs. Installing a new heater gives owners a warranty so they can have a break from high repair bills.
- High Utility Bills: As heaters get older, they lose efficiency, and utility bills will creep up. If utility bills are high due to a loss of efficiency, it may actually be cheaper to finance a new heater.
- Aging Heaters: Heaters and furnaces generally last for about 20 years. At this point they have lost so much efficiency and wear and tear will be requiring frequent repairs that it makes sense to start over with new heater installation.
How to Choose the Right Heater for a Home
When it comes to choosing the right heater for a home, the decision may be easier than most people expect. In most cases, the most cost-effective option for picking out a heater is to simply do a direct replacement of the existing heater. Installing new gas lines or power lines for a different type of system can be expensive. However, if the homeowner wants to switch utilities or try ductless heating and cooling, now is the time.
Working with a professional can make this step easier. HVAC professionals can help owners recognize the benefits of switching to heat pumps like relying on only electrical power. Conversely, heater installation specialists may also stress that heating with natural gas is cheaper and provides a more inviting heat.
Don't Forget the Importance of Maintaining Your New System
Heating maintenance is necessary for every heater, regardless of the age. Heating maintenance is a service offered by most HVAC technicians and involves inspecting the system and lubricating moving parts. When this service is done once per year, homeowners notice benefits like:
- Lower bills
- Fewer repairs
- Improved comfort
- Longer-lasting equipment
When heating maintenance is neglected, homeowners have to pay higher operating costs, and their equipment will wear out faster. Even if a new heater isn’t on the to-do list this year, make sure heating maintenance is.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling responds quickly to emergencies and offers upfront pricing on services like heater installation. Their family plan makes HVAC maintenance easy and cost-effective. Call today for HVAC service in Livermore, CA & the Tri-Valley.
