As a homeowner, you may find yourself constantly wondering if your heating system is still in good working order. Depending on your home’s current climate and how you use it, your system may need repairs more often than you’d like. The good news is that most heating systems will last for decades with the right amount of care and attention. However, certain repairs and replacements will be necessary at some point. That said, it can be difficult to know when to repair versus replace your system. Luckily, there are several signs that will help you determine when it’s time to make some adjustments. If any of the following apply to your home, it is time to schedule a heating repair or replacement. Read on to learn more about common signs that indicate your system needs attention sooner rather than later.

You experience frequent breakdowns

If your heating system breaks down frequently, it may be time to replace your system. A heating system has a lifespan of about 15 years, after which it will likely need repairs or a replacement. Ideally, you should aim to have your system last for about a decade without experiencing any major problems. If your system breaks down too frequently and repairs cannot be completed quickly, it may be time for a new system. If your system is on the older side, it may be time for a replacement regardless of how often it breaks down.

You’re regularly experiencing low or no heat

If you have low or no heat in your home, it may be time for a heating repair or replacement. A faulty thermostat, dirty filters, or faulty ductwork could be causing these issues. If you have low or no heat, it’s important to get your system checked out before the temperatures drop even lower. You can also try to troubleshoot the issue yourself, but be sure to contact an HVAC technician if you are unable to resolve the issue.

You’re experiencing high energy bills

If your heating bills are higher than expected, it may be time for a heating repair or replacement. A faulty thermostat, dirty filters, or faulty ductwork could be causing these issues. If you have high energy bills, it’s important to get your system checked out before the temperatures drop even lower. You can also try to troubleshoot the issue yourself, but be sure to contact an HVAC technician if you are unable to resolve the issue.

You’re experiencing frequent break-downs

If your heating system breaks down frequently, it may be time for a heating repair or replacement. A faulty thermostat, dirty filters, or faulty ductwork could be causing these issues. If you have frequent break-downs, it’s important to get your system checked out before the temperatures drop even lower. You can also try to troubleshoot the issue yourself, but be sure to contact an HVAC technician if you are unable to resolve the issue.

You’re experiencing low air quality

If you’re experiencing low air quality, it may be time for a heating repair or replacement. A faulty thermostat, dirty filters, or faulty ductwork could be causing these issues. If you have low air quality, it’s important to get your system checked out before the temperatures drop even lower. You can also try to troubleshoot the issue yourself, but be sure to contact an HVAC technician if you are unable to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

A heating system is an important part of any home. It keeps you warm and comfortable during the winter months, but it can break down at any time. If your system is experiencing a problem, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you notice any of the signs outlined above, it may be time to schedule a repair or replacement. With a little bit of planning, you can avoid major issues and enjoy a long and happy relationship with your heating system.

Frequently Asked Question

We recommend service be performed once a year at a minimum, especially before winter. Some people have their HVAC units serviced spring and fall to prepare for the coming heat of summer or in the fall to prepare for winter. Proper maintenance will prolong the life of your HVAC unit.

  • When Home: 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit
  • When Sleeping: 65 degrees Fahrenheit
  • When You're Away: 65 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Adjust thermostat in 5-8 degree increments
  • Install a Wood Burning Stove
  • Utilize Fire in Fireplace and Block Chimney When Not in Use
  • Make Sure All Doors and Windows Are Properly Sealed
  • Cook often
  • Install Insulated Curtain Liners to Trap Heat
  • Allow as Much Sunlight to Hit Home as Possible via Landscaping
  • Use your curtains
  • Use timers on your central heating
  • Move your sofa
  • Maximise your insulation
  • Wrap up warm
  • Turn down the dial
  • Block out the draughts
  • Install thermostatic radiator valves
According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. They're clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money. You will also want to have someone perform regular heating maintenance on your system at least once a year.
Turning the heat down eliminates these issues, while still reducing the amount of energy you use. You can save 10% off of your heating bill for every 10° you lower your thermostat.
  • Opt for Plug-In Energy Saving Electric Radiators. 
  • Dry Clothes with a Heated Airer
  • Use Electric Blankets & Heated Throws
  • A Winter Duvet is a Must
  • Draught-Proof the Home
  • Insulate your home
  • Choose Carpets & Rugs Over Solid Floors
  • Put 3-4 candles on a tray and light them up.
  • Position two bricks on either side of the tray and two behind the tray
  • Take the ceramic bowl and put it upside down on the tray
  • Place the small fan on the bricks behind the tray
  • Turn on the fan, and your setup is complete
In fact, leaving your heat on all day can actually cost you much more than turning it off every now and then. Heat tends to diffuse, so the high heat in your home will diffuse to areas of low heat outside the home during the winter. So even when you have your furnace on, your home is always losing a little bit of heat.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your heating system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
As long as you close the doors so the cold air doesn't seep into the rest of the house, you will save money by turning off the radiators in unused rooms. By doing so, you'll prevent the water in the system from running through that particular radiator.