Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home Heating System

As your furnace approaches the end of its lifespan, it will require expensive repairs and can increase energy consumption. That’s why you must pay attention to any issues that point to a failing system. Luckily, you can fix some of those issues if you act fast after you notice a problem. However, there are some signs that indicate it’s time to upgrade your home’s heating system. They include:

1. Uneven Heating

One problem you may have with your system is cold and hot spots throughout your home. Uneven heating across different rooms could indicate that your furnace is inefficient. However, you need to rule out other possibilities before you get a new system.

Start by checking if there are blockages in vents and registers restricting airflow to certain rooms. Even dust and debris can clog the vent cover. Make sure that the registers are also clear of obstructions.

The other problem could be that parts of the heating system have leaks. Your ductwork may be allowing heated air to escape while allowing unconditioned air to be sucked in. As a result, the air that eventually gets to that space becomes cooler than the rest of the house.

Integrity Heating & Cooling technicians can inspect your entire duct system in Charlotte. Leaks can be in tricky spots, such as around the registers and grills. After the sealing is complete, our HVAC system professionals in Charlotte will run tests to ascertain there are no leaks. If the problem persists, then it may be time to upgrade your heating system.

2. Rising Energy Bills

When you have high utility bills, your heating system is often overworking to regulate temperatures. Some of the reasons your furnace keeps running continuously include a faulty thermostat, leaking ducts, or an aging system.

You can start by checking your thermostat. First, eliminate the possibility that your thermostat has the wrong settings. Then ensure that the thermostat is set to auto so that it only runs when it is conditioning the air in your home.

It is advisable to also have a professional over to inspect your insulation. Using substandard materials to insulate can compromise your Charlotte’s home energy efficiency. The grade of the insulation materials should match your climate profile as well as your energy needs. If all these measures fail or are not satisfactory, it’s advisable to upgrade to an energy-efficient heating system.

3. Poor Indoor Air Quality

An HVAC system is an essential feature for any residential building’s indoor air quality. It eliminates carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, moisture, and pollutants. Ensuring there is sufficient air circulation can also get rid of bacteria, dust, and unpleasant odors.

The airtight construction in many buildings today also means that homes have to rely heavily on the HVAC system. So when there is an issue with the equipment, your home will experience a deterioration in indoor air quality.

Overlooking simple maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the filter, can also impact your indoor air quality. Your system may not have the filtration capability necessary to capture the pollutants in your home. Additionally, some chemicals like VOCs are more commonplace in homes today than they were decades ago.

There are solutions such as humidifiers and dehumidifiers, which can boost your indoor air quality. For example, UV devices in modern heating systems can kill bacteria, fungi, and microbial growth. However, Integrity Heating & Cooling recommends scheduling an inspection in Charlotte first to ensure you choose an effective IAQ solution.

4. Your Equipment Produces Strange Sounds

Some noises like humming are normal for most HVAC equipment. But some sounds are symptoms of a failing heating system. You need to pay attention to these noises, as even minor issues can become complicated to fix over time.

If the humming is louder than normal, it could indicate an inadequate power supply from the capacitor. A replacement of the component will often solve the problem. However, it is also possible that the fan is faulty, which could compromise airflow and temperature regulation in your home.

If you hear a loud bang when you start your heating system, there could be a problem with the blower assembly. The burners may be faulty, forcing the heating element to take longer to ignite your furnace. The banging noise comes from the explosion of the gas that accumulates before the ignition starts.

Turn off the heating system if you notice banging noises, especially when starting your furnace. Unless you repair the ignition system early, the heating element can crack.

Another common sound you are likely to hear is a high-pitched squealing. It may sound as though something is scratching against a metallic object. Lack of lubrication on the moving parts of your equipment is often the most probable cause of the noise.

There could be sounds of squealing if the motor belt is loose and worn out. It is also possible that the blower motor is malfunctioning and needs replacement. In such instances, the noise is from old bearings causing friction within the motor.

Rattling usually indicates that something is loose within your heating equipment. If the system continues running, the components could fall apart completely. Loose components can damage parts of your furnace and may lead to a total system failure.

There is also the risk of short-circuits and electrical fires. While some sounds are harmless, it is not wise to ignore any signs that could point to a malfunctioning component. An inspection by our NATE-certified team can save you from catastrophic failure. They are also able to determine when the heating system is no longer salvageable and requires an upgrade.

5. Frequent HVAC System Repairs

The maintenance of your heating system is critical for its efficiency and durability. You, however, need to ensure you schedule maintenance at least once a year. [Company_name]’s NATE-certified technicians in Charlotte have the experience to thoroughly inspect components and fix your system promptly.

Our heating system technicians can:

  • Inspect the heat exchanger for signs of corrosion
  • Inspect and clean the blower and belt
  • Lubricate all the moving parts
  • Troubleshoot and repair electronic components
  • Ensure the burner and flame sensors are working
  • Check the furnace safety controls

The best time to schedule maintenance for your heating equipment is during autumn. A tune-up will ensure every component is working before the cold and wet winter season in Charlotte.

Regular tune-ups are also essential for the safety of your home. Inspecting the safety monitors will ensure that the carbon monoxide detectors are working. That’s why tune-ups should be before the cold season starts since you’ll be using your heating equipment more often.

However, even the best-maintained heating systems eventually deteriorate. You can expect your furnace to last between 15 and 20 years. One sign that your HVAC system is close to the end of its life is if it demands frequent repairs. You will most likely experience multiple issues, particularly in the last two years of your equipment’s life. At that point, it is better to upgrade your heating system.

You may need to consider many factors before concluding that it’s time to replace your furnace. Often your system will recover its efficiency after professional repair services.

However, it is wiser to replace a failing unit now rather than trying to do so when it dies completely. An inefficient heating system will considerably raise your utility bills, and it can be risky for your home. A replacement also allows you to take advantage of the latest energy savings features from the top brands.

We provide AC and furnace replacement services in the Charlotte area. We also install equipment from all the brands, including Lennox. Contact Integrity Heating & Cooling and enjoy some of the best heating and cooling solutions in the industry today.

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