If it were up to you, your Spokane, WA heating system would last forever. You’d be able to get by with repair after repair and never need to replace it. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. Sooner or later, you will need a new heater. But how do you know when that time has come? You certainly don’t want to wait until it just shuts down on you all together, in the middle of one of our coldest winter days.
Fortunately, our team is here to help you make an educated decision on the matter. You can contact us any time when you think your furnace or heating system is reaching the end of its lifecycle. Our team will look at a variety of factors, help you decide if you can get by with another repair for now or if replacement would be more economical, and suggest system models that fit your lifestyle and needs.
Without further ado, some signs that it is, in fact, time to replace that old heater:
It’s Old
It’s no coincidence that we said “that old heater.” Age is the first and best measurement for whether or not your heater is ready for replacement. Now, all heaters have a difference lifespan. For instance, an average natural gas-powered furnace, so long as it is well-cared for, will last about 15 years, while an electric one may last a little longer.
But after two decades, there really isn’t much hope of your heater working as effectively or efficiently as you really need it to. We recommend that if your heater is any older than 15, you have it thoroughly inspected by our pros.
You’re calling for Repairs Too Often
Don’t get us wrong, you can call us as much as you’d like! But to be honest, if you’re calling for heating repairs once every few months, chances are your heater is probably trying to tell you something—that it simply cannot go on much longer.
A general rule of thumb is that if your next repair is going to cost you half of what a new heating system would, it makes more economical sense to go with the new system.
You’ve noticed a Drop in Efficiency
This is one of the biggest warning signs that your heating system is declining. If, despite routine maintenance, your heater is working less efficiently than it used to, it’s probably time to consider a replacement. You’ll notice a drop in efficiency from your heating bills. It’s natural for them to fluctuate, but if they’ve spiked severely in comparison to last year, then you have a problem.
You Hear Strange Noises
You know better than anyone what sounds are normal, and which aren’t. For instance, if you suddenly hear a grinding or a clanking sound, it’s a pretty big indicator that something is loose or broken inside your system. This is typically something that can be repaired. However, if this problem is coupled with old age, then we should probably start talking about your new system options.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice.