How Can I Tell if I Need a Full Heater Replacement?

Feb 21, 2023 | HVAC Maintenance

HVAC technician conducting a heater replacementDuring the freezing months of winter, your main goal and focus may be on staying warm. This means running your heater day and night to keep your family comfortable and well taken care of. But what happens when you wake up one morning feeling like you’re outside in the snow? And how do you know if all it takes is a simple repair or a full heater replacement?

There are common signs to look out for to decide whether you need that heater replacement or not. We’ll discuss a few of them in this article.

1. Age

Unfortunately, aging is inevitable, and your heater isn’t resistant to its effects. If your unit has been around for more than 10-15 years already, it might be time to invest in a replacement.

In the later stages of a heaters life, it may be more efficient to invest in a new unit rather than paying for continuous repairs due to issues such as:

  • Inefficient operations through worn out components
  • Strange odors upon activation
  • Consistent breakdowns

2. Strange Noises

Do you hear unusually loud noises whenever you turn your heater on? This could be a sign that the motor of your unit might be wearing out. You may even hear clunking, banging, or popping noises coming from your heater. These disturbances could mean that some of the components are starting to malfunction, and while it may mean a simple repair, it could also be a sign of needing to replace the whole unit.

3. Inadequate Heating

Have you been feeling like you’re unable to get warm even when your heater says it’s operating? Take that as a sign of your heater not being able to do its job anymore. Poor heating performance is one common issue when it comes to needing a heater replacement. You need to make sure that your heater can keep up with the temperature displayed, and that it’s able to deliver adequate warmth throughout the day.

And as always, it’s recommended to have a professional evaluation done. By doing this, you will be able to invest your money wisely and know if you need a repair or a heater replacement.

4. High Energy Bills

According to Patch,”the Energy Department projects the average household in the Western region will pay about $834 to heat their homes with natural gas this winter, an increase of 29 percent energy.” High bills are no fun, but they can become more than just an inconvenience. When the bill gets too high, it becomes a red flag. It could mean that you’re not only paying for the electricity, but also for repairs and replacements due to inefficiency.

If this is something you’ve been dealing with recently, then it might be wise to invest in a new heater rather than just pay for expensive repairs that may or may not work in the long run. Don’t drain your account for something that’s beyond getting fixed long-term.

Get Your Heater in Top Condition with Shriver Mechanical

It can be difficult to determine if you need a full heater replacement or if it just needs a repair. From helping you choose the right system to installation and ongoing maintenance, Shriver Mechanical has everything you need to keep your heater in great operating condition.

Don’t spend another moment in the blistering cold. Contact Shriver Mechanical today to get your heater replacement installed and your heat circulating properly again!