Your heating system is one of those things you take for granted. When it works well, you probably don’t give it a second thought. However, it can quickly become an urgent matter when it stops working entirely. While not every heating system problem is a red flag that a replacement need is on the horizon, there are some warning signs for trouble ahead you should keep in mind.
Consider How Often You Need Heating Repair
Every heating unit needs occasional repair, but anything more than a few times a year is excessive. If the cost of fixing your heating unit increases each time you request repairs, it could mean that crucial parts are deteriorating. You may be surprised at how much you are spending just to keep your heating system functional. If the costs add up enough in a single year to cover half of what a replacement would run you, it’s probably time for a new unit.
Inconsistent Performance is Another Red Flag
If your system is making some rooms more comfortable than others or overall performance is spotty at best, it’s likely time to consult with a heating repair specialist. After all, you don’t want your home to be too chilly to enjoy or too hot for you to go to sleep at night comfortably. Rather than continue to schedule repairs, you can improve your comfort and decrease your energy costs by upgrading to a unit with a higher efficiency rating.
The Age and Efficiency Rating of Your Heating System is Also a Factor
In 1992, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) required that all newly manufactured furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of at least 78 percent. Under this legislation, gas-fired boilers must be at least 80 percent efficient. For heat pumps, the minimum acceptable standard is a Heat Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 7.7 as of 2005. If you have owned your heating unit for more than two decades, the minimum standards don’t apply to it. Older furnaces in particular are often inefficient and have AFUE ratings as low as 60 percent. Both the AFUE and HSPF help consumers understand the efficiency of a heating unit before purchasing it.
Furnace and Heat Pump Options
Berkley Heating & Air Conditioning offers a wide range of Carrier products for your heating needs. This includes furnaces with efficiency ratings as high as 98 percent. You have the option of selecting a new furnace that operates on either gas or oil. Our split system heat pumps have HSPF ratings as high as 13. We are available to answer your questions when you are ready to replace your old or inefficient heating system. We’ve proudly served Hanahan, SC, and surrounding communities for more than 50 years.
