Is Your Heater Ready for Retirement?

Is your heater getting a little long in the tooth? Does the manufacturer’s logo scream peak 1980s? Are your bills going up for no apparent reason?

Read on for some signs to look for indicating your heater is ready to retire and that it’s likely time for a West Milford heating replacement.

If you have any questions or need more information, reach out to the West Milford HVAC pros at Mark Lindsay and Son Plumbing & Heating!

7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Heater

1) Flame Color Isn’t Blue

Your furnace flames should be blue. If they’re any other color, especially yellow, then there’s a problem. It means that the burner is dirty, and the gas isn’t burning completely. This means that you’re wasting gas (and money) and the carbon monoxide (CO) generated by the combustion isn’t venting properly. You need to have this corrected quickly. Putting in CO detectors in your home adds an extra layer of safety.

2) Rusty Flue

Check to see if your furnace flue is rusty. Rust can indicate a leak in your plumbing or roof is causing corrosion. This can cause rust-through and allow CO to leak into your home. You need to have your HVAC contractor repair or replace your flue as soon as possible and have a roofing contractor take a look at your roof to make sure you don’t have any leaks, which could lead to more problems than just a rusty flue.

3) Short Cycling

Does your heater constantly go on and off? This could be a sign that the blower motor is worn out or the heat sensor needs to be cleaned. It also could mean there are other issues that need to be addressed by a professional.

4) Your System Is Old

How old is your heater? If it’s over 15 years old, it makes more sense to install a new system than keep spending money on repairs that will only get more costly. You’ll not only save money on repair costs, but you’ll save on heating costs with a new, more efficient system.

5) Your Furnace Makes Weird Noises

If your furnace is making strange and abnormal noises, it might not be a poltergeist. It could be a sign that your furnace is malfunctioning. Here are some sounds to listen for:

• Popping – It’s nice to hear chestnuts or popcorn pop, but your heater, not so much. When your heating system makes a “popping” noise, it indicates a temperature fluctuation in your furnace. The popping noise comes from the parts of your system being affected by the temperature change.
• Screeching – If your furnace is making a “nails on a chalkboard sound” or screeching like a cat that just got stepped on, you have a problem. Your blower motor could be failing, or the belt has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
• Humming – Not everyone can carry a tune. Your heater definitely can’t. If it’s humming, but louder than normal, you need to look into replacing it as soon as possible.
• Booming – If it makes a booming sound when it starts, it can be a sign of a gas emission issue. It’s usually caused by a slight delay in the ignition process. If you smell any lingering gas odor, you need to replace your furnace.
• Clanging and Banging – If your system is making any clanging or banging noises, like someone banging pots and pans together, it could be a pressure problem, leak, or blockage. Whatever it is, you need to replace your boiler.

6) Increased Repair Costs

Are your heating repair costs getting out of hand? Is your HVAC tech becoming part of the family? Are they on your Christmas card list? Then it’s probably time to get a new system. Continually paying for repairs on an old, outdated system isn’t a good investment. It’s not really an investment at all, but just throwing money at a problem that’s just going to get worse. Spending the money on a new, reliable, and efficient heating system is an investment that will pay off with lower maintenance costs and lower heating costs.

7) Moisture Buildup

If you’re noticing moisture on your windows, walls, or ceilings, this could be an indication of an inadequate airflow situation. Damp and stagnant air can be a sign of issues with your furnace or vents.

Call the West Milford Heating Experts

When you’re ready to replace your furnace or boiler, call the West Milford heating service pros at Mark Lindsay & Son to arrange an appointment. Our expert staff will help you choose the right system for your home and budget.