If a heating system is 15 years old or more, it could be time to replace it. Heating systems generally last between 15 and 25 years before needing to be replaced. Be proactive. Shopping for a furnace in an emergency doesn’t allow a homeowner to make the best decision or get the best price on a new system. How can you tell when a system is nearing the end of its lifespan? A few warning signs are common. Heating systems will lose efficiency as they age and as a result will not provide the same amount of heat as in the past. You’ll likely see this as an increase in your energy bill.
Another sign is that more frequent repairs are needed to maintain the system. A heating system will incur more breakdowns in the last two years of its life.
Still another sign is when different rooms of the house feel more hot or cold than others. If rooms are not being heated consistently, it’s a telltale indication that there is something wrong with the furnace.
Most oil companies provide you with free estimates for a new heating system, and HEAT USA can provide you with free comparisons for those prices.
Whether or not you need to replace your heating system, it is worth remembering that last year’s home heating oil prices were the highest in decades. Although it’s hard to project what the upcoming winter will bring, HEAT USA offers the following tips on how to save money this year.
First, adjust the thermostat at night so that it’s 10 degrees lower than when people in the house are awake. Lowering the thermostat by as little as 10 degrees for eight hours can save 10 percent to 15 percent on a monthly heating bill. A warm comforter can easily make up for the lower temperature.
Second, ceiling fans aren’t just meant to be used in the summer. Ceiling fans can be used strategically to achieve better air flow throughout a house. Adjusting the fan so it turns clockwise will trap heat inside and keep rooms warmer during the cooler months. Put the ceiling fan on a low setting to gently push hot air back down.
The third tip relates to windows and doors, where the most heat loss occurs. Whether a house has old or new windows or doors, always check around the edges for gaps or holes that could allow a draft through. Replace worn weather stripping on doors and caulk windows to make sure there is a good seal. This is an inexpensive fix that can save hundreds of dollars. Another place for sealing is around electrical outlets. Insulation usually isn’t placed here but you can purchase foam gaskets to put behind the wall plates.
Finally, make sure to complete an annual cleaning and tune-up of the heating system to ensure it’s running efficiently. HEAT USA’s approved oil suppliers provide free or discounted services for MTA members who join, including $50 of free heating oil, $10 off the first year’s membership fee, a $50 upgrade certificate, and more. Contact 888.432.8872 for more information.
