There comes a time in every homeowner's life when the heater needs to be replaced. Sooner or later, the furnace or boiler may stop working properly, or it may be consuming excessive energy and hiking up your monthly energy bill. But is now the right time to replace your heater? Consider the following factors when determining whether you should repair or replace your current heating system.
Is it Better to Repair or Replace?
- Age: The average lifespan of a furnace or boiler is around 12 to 15 years. If you have an older heating system, it may not be worth spending the money on a repair -- especially if you have already spent money on several repairs in the last year or two.
- Investment cost: If an upcoming repair is oging to cost 50 percent of the price of a new heater, it will be more economical to replace your heating system.
- Utility bills: One of the advantages of replacing your antiquated heater is that you can opt for a high-performance heating system that will consume less energy and save you money on your utility bills. Replace your system sooner rather than later, and your energy-efficient investment could save you money for years to come.
What Should be Considered When Choosing a Heater Replacement?
- Geographic location: Depending on your home's climate, some heating systems may be more appropriate than others. For example, furnaces and boilers are best for colder climates and heat pumps are a great energy-saving option for homes in more temperate climates. However, all-climate heat pumps are becoming more practical for use colder climates. Your home's location also affects the heater's energy efficiency. A good rule is that the more you spend on your heating bill, the more valuable it is to invest in a high-efficiency system.
- Home type and existing system: Certain heating systems require ductwork while others don't. If your home doesn't have ductwork, it makes more sense to select a new boiler, rather than a furnace or heat pump. If your home is ducted and your AC needs to be replaced as well, you could save money on your replacement by choosing a heat pump that can both heat and cool your home.
What Types of Heating Systems are Available?
- Because of their low operating cost, gas furnaces are the most common type of heater in the U.S.
- Despite their higher costs, electric furnaces are often chosen in areas where natural gas isn't available.
- Another alternative to a natural gas furnace is an oil furnace, which requires fuel stored onsite.
- Boilers are able to provide quiet and comfortable heat in homes that have no ductwork. They are widely used in radiant floor heating, and are available in gas, oil, and electric models.
- Instead of creating heat from a combustible fuel source, air-source heat pumps move heat from outside to inside a building or vice versa. Heat pumps can function as both heaters and air conditioners because of a reversing valve, but they are most efficient in milder climates.
- Geothermal heat pumps offer highly efficient and environmentall-friendly heating by using energy from the earth, and can both heat and cool your home. However, they are typically the most expensive to install.
What are the Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Heater Replacement?
- Energy savings: Heating can comprise almost 50 percent of your energy bills in the winter. A more energy-efficient heater may cost more upfront, but you will see energy savings that will be well worth the investment.
- Improved home comfort: The advanced technology that improves a heater replacement's efficiency can also make your home more comfortable. An efficient heater will provide the rooms in your home with more even temperatures and prevent drafts.
- Environmentally friendly: Staying warm in the winter shouldn't make you feel guilty. High-efficiency HVAC equipment conserve fuel, menaing a step toward a cleaner environment without sacrificing the level of comfort you're used to.
What Energy Efficiency Laws Affect the 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
To learn more about making an efficient heater replacement, please contact Aire Serv® Heating and Air Conditioning in Elkton, MD. Our skilled technicians can provide the professional heater replacement you’re looking for.