My Home Heater Is Not Working: What Should I Do First?
If your heater is acting up or has stopped working entirely, it may be time to consider heater replacement. If you suspect this is the case, it’s time to call JD Heating & Cooling. Breathe easy—our expert HVAC technicians are available by appointment or on-call 24/7 to meet your home heating needs.
Is It Time to Replace My Home’s Heating System?
If your heater is not working, it’s time to consider two options: repair or replace. When considering whether to replace or repair your aging heating system, we recommend that homeowners consider five key questions:
- Is the heater working?
- Is the furnace affecting your safety? For more information about heater safety, check out our post Technical Talk: Heater Safety.
- Is your furnace close to the end of its life cycle? On average, furnaces should last 15 to 20 years.
- In the long run, will it cost more to repair and maintain your current furnace than it will to replace it?
- Would your energy bills go down with a new, more energy-efficient model?
It’s important to consider the cost of repair when considering heater repair. At Aire Serv, we recommend carefully weighing the cost of repair versus the cost of installing a new unit. Be sure to factor in the long-term cost savings of installing a newer, more energy-efficient model.
What’s the Best Heater for Home Use?
Selecting a new heater is no simple task. Heating systems are vital, long-term investments for your home and should be treated as such. Our HVAC experts have broken our selection process into four big topics. Check out our recommended selection considerations:
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Heater Replacement?
- Where do you live? Furnaces and boilers make the most sense in cold climates, while heat pumps could be an energy-saving heater replacement in mild climates. However, keep in mind that all-climate heat pumps are becoming a viable option for residents in colder climates. Your geographic location may also determine the efficiency level of the heating system you choose. In short, the more you typically spend on heating bills, the more worthwhile it is to invest in high-efficiency equipment.
- What do you already have in your home? If you don’t have ductwork, it makes sense to choose a boiler instead of a furnace or heat pump. If your home is ducted, perhaps your air conditioner needs to be replaced soon. You could cut back on your investment by choosing a heat pump instead of a traditional furnace / air conditioner combination.
What Types of Heating Systems are Available?
- Gas furnaces are the most common type of heating system in the United States, thanks to the low cost of operation.
- Electric furnaces cost more to operate, but they are often the go-to option when natural gas is not available. Deciding between gas and electric heat for your home? Check out our list of pros and cons: Gas vs. Electric Heat.
- Oil furnaces require you to store fuel on-site. They’re another viable alternative to a natural gas furnace.
- Boilers are known for delivering quiet, comfortable heat in homes with no ductwork and are particularly popular for their use in radiant floor systems. Gas, oil, and electric models are available.
- Air-source heat pumps move heat rather than generating it from a combustible fuel source. Thanks to a reversing valve, heat pumps can operate as heating systems as well as air conditioners. They are most efficient in mild climates where the temperature rarely drops below freezing.
- Geothermal heat pumps are often the most expensive heater replacement to install, but they produce incredibly efficient, environmentally friendly heating by transferring energy from the earth. Just as air-source heat pumps can, geothermal systems can both heat and cool your home.