How to Know It’s Time for a Heating System Upgrade

Heaters are everything when the winter season rolls in. They keep your home nice and cozy, even as snow piles outside your door and ice forms on your windows. 

As winter is approaching, you should be starting up your heating system to ensure it will warm your home when you need it most. If you notice any of the below warning signs, it could be time to replace your heating system with a newer model.

What’s in an Age? Everything!

Your HVAC system will only function efficiently for so long. If your heat pump is older than 10 years old, it’s time to call a professional to replace it with a more energy-efficient model. If you have a furnace or boiler older than 15 years, you should consider having it upgraded to save on home energy costs.

What’s That Sound?

Your heating and cooling system will make occasional noises as they turn on and off. However, if you begin to notice loud clunking, banging, or rattling sounds coming from your heater, you know something is seriously wrong with the heating unit. There could be loose parts inside the unit or a failing motor. An HVAC technician can diagnose the root of the problem and get you situated with a new system before the winter season sets in.

Do You Smell That?

Odd smells coming from your heater not only make family gatherings and holiday celebrations awkward but also signal that something is not quite right with your old heater. Here are some odors you may smell that show it’s time for a heating system upgrade:

• Burning smell: If your furnace is emitting a burning smell, this could indicate the wiring is getting too hot or the fan motor is burning out. You will want to shut off the furnace right away and call your service provider.
• Metallic odor: This type of smell is a sign of an internal component overheating or rubbing against a moving part. Turn off the heater immediately, and get in touch with an HVAC professional.
• Rotten eggs: This smell from your heater is produced by a chemical that gas companies put in their natural gas to alert homeowners to gas leaks since natural gas has no odor. If you smell rotten eggs around your heater, shut it off right away and call the gas company to report a potential gas leak.
• Burning dust or mustiness: Many homeowners report smelling burning dust when they first turn on their heater for the season. This is likely due to a build-up of dust on the heat exchanger and blower. The dust burns off when the system is turned on, and the smell leaks through the ducts. This type of smell should go away within a few hours. If it doesn’t, the filters can be replaced or cleaned. An HVAC professional may need to clean out the system to get rid of the smell completely.

If you replace the unit with a newer model, you can enjoy fresher air.

Why Are My Energy Bills So High?

If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been steadily increasing over the past few months or it’s higher than it was at this time last year, your HVAC unit is clearly becoming less efficient. High energy bills are a sure indication that you need to upgrade to a high-efficiency heater.

Again? Frequent Repairs Have You Feeling Blue

Do you have to call a professional a few times a year to service your HVAC system? Too many repairs in a short amount of time strains your budget and screams for a new system that works well without much assistance. Save money and kick that old heater to the curb (figuratively, of course).

Why Is It So Cold in Here?

Does stepping into your child’s bedroom feel like you’ve stepped outside? When a heating system is dying, it’s not unusual for it to struggle to warm all areas of your home evenly. You may notice that certain parts of your home are colder than others, even if you’ve cranked up the heat. You may be able to resolve the problem with home heating repairs, but if you notice this problem coupled with another heater issue, it likely means you need to replace your HVAC unit.

More Dust? Seriously?

When your heating system is going out, it can feel like you are constantly wiping dust off surfaces. Leaky ducts could be pulling dust and debris from the attic or basement and distributing it throughout the house. Upgrading your heating system could fix this issue.

Is It Time for an Upgrade? We’ve Got You Covered!

While some of these heating system issues could be resolved with repairs, it could still be time to upgrade the unit if it exhibits more than one of these problems simultaneously.

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your residential heater, you can reach out to our team of HVAC experts. We will help you determine the best course of action (whether that’s heating repairs or replacements). We’re also one of the best indoor air quality testing companies in Minnesota, so we can help you determine if your air is safe and healthy to breathe.

Fall Into These Great Savings!

Northern Services has a complete line-up of specials for the season! Whether you’re looking for a full system upgrade, heating tune-up, or any other service, we invite you to take advantage of our promotions for a happier, healthier, and more comfortable fall and winter — click here and here.

For more information, reach out to us today!