Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or a heat pump, your heating system will only last for so long. Is now the time to replace your heater? Consider the following factors to decide whether it would be more effective to repair or replace your existing heating equipment.
Is it Better to Repair or Replace Your Heater?
- Age: The average furnace or boiler has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. If your heater is older, then spending any more money on repairs might not be worthwhile -- especially if it's been requiring multiple repairs in the past year or two.
- Investment cost: Is the cost of your next heater more than 50 percent of the price of a new heating system? If so, it would be more economical to replace your heater.
- Utility bills: Newer, high-performance heaters use less energy than old, outdated heating equipment. If your heater has been increasing your energy bills over time, it's time to replace and start saving money for years to come.
What Should be Considered When Choosing a Heater Replacement?
- Climate: Not every heating system is appropriate for all climates. For example, furnaces and boilers are excellent heaters for residents in colder climates, while heat pumps are a better heater replacement for those in more temperate areas. New, all-climate heat pumps are becoming popular in colder climates as well. A good rule to follow is that the more you spend on keeping your home comfortable, the more valuable it will be to invest in a high-efficiency heating system.
- Home type and existing system: The type of heater replacement you choose will also depend on whether or not your home is already equipped with ductwork. A boiler would make the most sense for a home without ductwork, while a furnace or a heat pump requires ductwork. You could also save money by replacing your furnace/air conditioner combination with a heat pump.
What Types of Heating Systems are Available?
- Thanks to low operating costs, gas furnaces are the most common heaters in the Newark DE area and the rest of the country.
- When natural gas isn't available in an area, electric furnaces are typically the most popular option.
- Another fuel alternative to natural gas is oil. Oil furnaces require you to store fuel onsite.
- Boilers are the best option for homes with no ductwork, and are popularly used in radiant floor systems. Boilers come in gas, oil, and electric models, and provide a quiet and comfortable source of heat.
- In milder climates (where the temperature doesn't drop below freezing), air-source heat pumps are an efficient system for both heating and cooling. Because they feature a reversing valve, heat pumps simply move heat from one area to another, serving your home with cooler air in the summer, and warmer air in the winter.
- Geothermal heat pumps are an expensive type of heater replacement. But because they transfer energy from the earth to heat your home, they're the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating option. Geothermal heat pumps can also be used to cool your home.
What are the Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Heater Replacement?
- Energy savings: Heating makes up almost 50 percent of your energy bills in the winter. An energy efficient heater replacement requires a higher investment, but will deliver valuable energy savings in the long run
- Improved home comfort: If your heater is more energy efficient, you can expect your home to be more comfortable too. You'll feel fewer drafts and more even temperatures around your house.
- Environmentally friendly: Is your high fuel consumption during the winter making you feel guilty? Energy efficient heating equipment means less energy to keep your home comfortable -- and less energy means a step toward a cleaner environment.
What Energy Efficiency Laws Affect Your Heater Replacement Decision?
The EPA planned to put new furnace efficiency laws into effect on May 1, 2013. The proposed plan involved raising the current minimum Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) from 80 to 90 in the northern United States. However, this plan fell through and the old requirement of 80 AFUE still stands around the country. Minimum boiler efficiency depends on the type of fuel. The minimum AFUE ratings for each type include:
- 80 AFUE for gas-fired steam boilers
- 82 AFUE for gas-fired hot water boilers
- 82 AFUE for oil-fired steam boilers
- 84 AFUE for oil-fired hot water boiler
Contact Aire Serv® Heating and Air Conditioning of Newark, DE and learn more about how you can replace your heating system with a more energy efficient model. Our skilled heater technicians will install the new heater that you've been looking for.