If you’ve never had to replace a heater in your home, it can seem like a daunting task. You want your heater to last for as long as it can, and many heaters last for more than 20 years. But once your heater is at least 15 years old, it is time to begin considering a replacement.
Even if you don’t have to replace your furnace for another five or 10 years, you can plan ahead and replace your furnace before it breaks down completely. If you need heater replacement in Krum, TX, our team is here to help. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about the average heater lifespan.
Heater Life
When you first install a new heater, it works great. It is likely top of the line as far as technological advances go. It has the most energy-efficient components, and probably costs less to run than your previous heater. But over time, even the best systems wear down. Your energy needs may change, and technology continues to advance, making your unit obsolete.
Experts estimate that your heater loses around 5% of its energy efficiency every single year. The caveat to this is that it only loses energy efficiency at this rate if it is not maintained. If you schedule annual heater maintenance, you can keep your heater’s energy efficiency and spend less on your energy bills than you would if you skip heater maintenance.
Put simply, heater maintenance can make or break the life of your heater. Some heaters can last for decades—upwards of 20 to 30 years. But the heaters that have a very long lifespan have been well cared for. You can reduce strain on your heating unit by not setting the indoor temperature too high. Plus, you can schedule annual maintenance so that our team has an opportunity to fix any small problems before they become big ones.
When to Consider Replacement
If you’re wondering about heater lifespan, there’s a good chance that your heater is already up there in age. If it’s over 15 years old, you should be watching for the signs that it is time to replace your heater completely. If you hear unusual sounds or your house starts to smell bad, your heater could be to blame.
Don’t ignore these signs, because your heater should never make loud, obnoxious noises or cause your home to smell bad. You should also pay attention to your energy bills. If they go up too fast, or increase suddenly every time without ceasing, your heater could be to blame.
Over time as your heater becomes less efficient, it needs more energy to heat your home to the same temperature. That means you’re paying more to heat your home year after year. Eventually, you may be paying so much that it makes sense to install a new heater that could save you 20% to 50% on your annual energy bills.
Contact Don’s AC Service, Inc today for your HVAC and indoor air quality needs!