Author: My HVAC Price

The average cost of repairing a furnace is around $284 per repair. Seems relatively low, right? But that number can go up if you don’t take care of the system.

Routine heating maintenance is the easiest way to keep your system running and your repair costs low. But where do you even start?

Do you have to call a professional for everything? Are there tasks you can handle on your own?

Well, it depends. But as long as you know which maintenance tasks need to be taken care of, you’ll set yourself up for a far more comfortable winter year after year.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the simplest and most essential maintenance tasks that will keep your system running smoothly for many years to come.

Clean the Outdoor Components

Leaves, plant matter, and even debris left by pests and rodents can clog your outdoor condenser unit. This makes it harder for the system to bring in fresh air and can cause the unit to overheat.

When left alone, the buildup can lead to premature breakdown and extensive damage.

Every few weeks, clean the outdoor components. Rake away any plant matter and debris and wipe dirt off of the cover. If you notice signs of animal activity, consider calling a pest control expert.

The cleaner your condenser is, the cleaner your indoor air will be.

Check and Replace Filters

Every central HVAC condenser unit brings air from outside the house indoors. This air is then heated to your ideal temperature and distributed throughout the rest of the house through the ductwork.

Though this helps keep the air in your home fresh, it also brings in contaminants like mold spores, dust, and debris.

Your air filters catch most of these contaminants. But once they get dirty, your HVAC system has to work harder just to keep your home comfortable.

Every month, check your filters for buildup. If the filters look dirty, replace them. The last thing you want to do is put undue strain on your central heating system.

The harder your HVAC unit has to work, the more wear and tear the system sees. Over time, this can lead to more frequent repairs and shorten the life of your unit.

Ditch the Junk Around Your Furnace

Furnaces generate a lot of heat. That means any items stored around them could catch fire, melt, or get damaged.

And since heating equipment is responsible for approximately 15 percent of all house fires, it’s important to do everything you can to reduce your risk.

Before you start cranking up the heat, inspect the area around your furnace.

Vacuum up any dust and dirt that’s collected on the floor and air vents in the space. Then, move all items stored in the area away from the furnace. You need to leave at least a six-inch space around the system itself.

This allows for proper air flow around the unit and helps the system run more efficiently while reducing your risk of house fires.

Uncover All Registers and Heating Vents

Heat can only be distributed throughout the house if the vents and registers are clear and unblocked.

Walk through each room of your house and make sure nothing is blocking the registers and vents. Move furniture if necessary and pick up items like blankets, pillows, and socks that might block heat from reaching the room.

When the vents are clear, your HVAC system can keep the room at the ideal temperature more easily.

Over the course of the season, this means less wear and tear on your unit and may just save you hundreds on your energy bills.

Dust All Air Vents

Now that your vents are uncovered, take a few minutes to give them a good dusting.

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away stubborn dirt and dust on the vent cover. Then, remove the cover and use the hose attachment on your vacuum to get rid of dust inside the system.

This will keep your indoor air quality fresh and may just help keep dust from collecting on surfaces as quickly.

Schedule a Ductwork Inspection

You may be able to clean the vent covers yourself, but cleaning and inspecting the ductwork requires an experienced professional.

Each winter, schedule a ductwork inspection and let your HVAC technician make any necessary repairs to the air ducts.

Damaged air ducts let heat leach out, keeping the rest of your house from reaching your ideal temperature as quickly as it should.

Making sure the ductwork is in good shape will save you on heating costs while also reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth inside the system.

Warm air leaking from the ducts creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew in your walls. Once mold grows, it can cause a number of severe health issues.

Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Twice a year, you’ll want to inspect your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly.

Test the system by pushing the “test” button on the detector. If it makes a noise, it’s working properly. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to have it repaired.

Before winter is in full swing, it’s best to also replace the batteries in each carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon monoxide is odorless and difficult to detect without an alarm system in place. If your batteries are dead, you and your family could be at risk.

If you’re not sure how to access your carbon monoxide detectors or aren’t comfortable performing the tests yourself, don’t hesitate to let your HVAC tech handle it.

Make Sure Thermostats Are Working

Your thermostats help control the temperature throughout your house. When they’re broken, you’ll struggle to keep your home comfortable during the winter months.

Check your thermostats and make sure the heat turns on when the temperature drops below your preferred setting. If it doesn’t, contact your repair technician immediately.

Fixing or installing a new thermostat on your own is difficult and should always be left to the pros.

Pay Attention to Strange Smells

Strange smells coming from your heater are a sure-fire sign it’s time to schedule a heating system service appointment.

Pay attention to the way the house smells when the heater is running. If you notice anything off-putting, schedule a service appointment right away.

It could be something as simple as dust in the ductwork, but it could also indicate a problem with the mechanics of your central heat system. Leaving mechanical issues to sit puts your unit at risk for extensive damage.

Insulate Your Windows

Windows are responsible for approximately 25 percent of heat loss in the home. The more heat that escapes, the harder your system has to work to keep your home comfortable.

Give your system a boost by insulating your windows. Cover them with a plastic film to protect against drafts. Replace any weather stripping that’s worn or damaged.

For added warmth, consider hanging thick curtains over the windows. This will keep any drafts from reaching the interior of the room.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

The best way to keep your home’s heating system in good condition is to schedule a tune-up with an HVAC technician.

They’ll be able to check for any minor damage that could lead to costly repairs in the middle of winter. If they find any damage, they’ll have the training required to fix the problem quickly.

Taking care of repairs in a timely manner is key in keeping your central heating unit working for years to come.

Even better, a professional tune-up will preserve your warranty!

When you perform DIY repairs and maintenance, you run the risk of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. This can leave you with costly repair bills if any defects pop up in the future.

By letting a pro handle the repairs for you, you’ll guarantee that the manufacturer’s warranty stays valid.  

Why Heating Maintenance Matters

Without routine heating maintenance, your heating system will be less efficient and could break down unexpectedly right when you need it most.

By taking care of routine maintenance ahead of time, you’ll reduce your risk of unexpected breakdowns while also keeping your heating costs as low as possible.

Need help taking care of the checklist? Consider getting the entire family involved.

Have your kids help with clearing items away from the air vents and let them handle dusting the vents in their rooms. Older children can help you move furniture as needed and can even learn to change the air filters on their own.

Let the Pros Help

If you don’t feel up to taking care of heating maintenance on your own, don’t panic.

If you notice any damage while running through your checklist, get it fixed as soon as possible.

Without a doubt, your heating system is a vital function in your home. Don’t believe us? Try turning it off on a frigid day in January. It won’t be long before you are running for the “on” switch again.

For this reason, if you are noticing troubles with your heating system, you should address them sooner rather than later. But how do you know if you can simply repair your system or if you should buy a new heating system altogether? 

Check out this homeowner HVAC guide to find the answer! We’ll go over common problems with heating systems and whether they warrant replacing the system or no. 

Signs Your Heating System Needs Repairs

First, let’s take a look at what you need to be on the lookout for. Here are several signs your heating system is having troubles that you shouldn’t ignore.

Winter Is Coming

If winter is coming that’s your first sign that you need to worry about your heating system. Every year as winter approaches you should at the very least turn on and inspect your system yourself. It’s not a bad idea to have an HVAC professional take a look as well to ensure that everything is running as it should.

There are a few good reasons for doing this.

Heating system repairmen are busier during the winter than during the summer, for obvious reasons. So what happens when your heating system gives out for good and winter has already started? You could be waiting a while in the freezing cold for an available repairman. Thus, it’s better to get your heating system serviced and running well before winter sets in.

It’s also cheaper since during prime months prices can rise because heating companies are so busy.

This will also give you time to properly do your research and choose the best new heating system for your needs if it turns out you need a new one. Since a heating system can be a substantial investment, starting early also gives you a chance to prepare financially. 

It Makes Strange Noises

All heating systems make some kind of noise, especially when turning on and off. Some newer systems are designed to be quieter but they aren’t completely silent.

However, if you start to notice new noises or normal noises are getting abnormally loud, something may be wrong with the system. Pay particular attention to rattling, screeching, or popping sounds.

There is any number of things that could be causing these noises. These include an unbalanced motor, loose ductwork, or motor failure. Be prepared to describe the noise to a technician, especially if it is intermittent. 

This will help them determine the severity of the problem. In many cases, the system will simply need repairs. If you’ve been noticing (and ignoring) strange noises for a while, though, it might be time to start shopping for a new heating system.

Your Heating Bills Are Rising Mysteriously

The cost of everything slowly goes up over time. If you’re paying a little bit more for your heating bill than you used to it’s probably not something to worry about.

But what if you seem to be paying more for your recent heating bills than market changes should warrant? There could be something wrong with your heating system, causing it to work less efficiently and use more energy.

Your heating bill is high enough, you don’t want to be paying extra if you don’t have to be. Plus, ensuring that your heating system is working at full capacity is one way you can help contribute to keeping the planet happy.

It Is Still Under Warranty

As you’ll see in a minute, many of these signs your heating system needs repair may also be signs that it needs to be replaced. However, if your heating system is still under warranty, that’s a good reason not to invest in a new system just yet. Since you won’t have to pay much for repairs, it makes sense to go with that option first.

Pay attention to your warranty, however. Many warranties cover parts and labor separately.

For example, a new heat exchanger may be covered under a warranty for 10 years. However, the labor to replace it (which can be quite extensive and expensive) may only last up to 5 years. 

Bottom line: take the warranty into consideration as you decide how to invest your time and money.

Signs You Should Get a New Heating System

You now have an idea what to be on the lookout for when it comes to heating system troubles. But what about when problems get so serious it isn’t worth repairing? How do you know when it’s time for a whole new system?

Let’s find out.

Your Heating System Is Old

As previously mentioned, many of the signs that repair is necessary are also signs that replacement is necessary. One of the best ways to know the difference is the age of your heating system. 

Heating systems don’t last forever. There comes a point when it essentially becomes more expensive to repair it than to simply invest in a new system. That’s because you might shell out cash to fix one component, only to have something else break a short time later.

The sweet spot is around 15 years. Of course, it depends on how the system has been maintained. A system that has been poorly taken care of may have a much shorter lifespan. Conversely, a well-maintained system can last for 20 years or longer.

If you’re not sure about the condition of your system, a qualified technician will be able to advise you upon inspecting it. 

The Repair Is Expensive

Another way to tell that you should opt for a new system is when the repair is expensive.

For small, easy fixes it makes sense to try to repair the system first. Plus, if the system is new enough that all or part of the repair is still under warranty, by all means, take advantage.

However, if you’ll have to pay half or more of the cost of a new system to repair the old one, a new system may make more sense. That’s a lot of money to spend on something that is already old. It’s also less likely that you’ll recoup your investment because the system could break down again from a different problem in a short time.

Of course, the system’s age and maintenance record are both factors to consider as well. 

Carbon Monoxide Emissions

Around 400 people die every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. While this isn’t a high number, each death is tragic and you can take steps to avoid it.

This gas is extremely dangerous. If you find that your heating system is leaking carbon monoxide, you should replace your system immediately. You should also evacuate your home and have the utility company turn off the gas as soon as possible. You may also need to seek medical treatment.

Carbon monoxide is nearly impossible to detect. This is what catches people unawares and kills them before they can do anything about it. The gas has virtually no odor, taste, or appearance. 

But if you can’t smell, taste or see it, how do you know it’s leaking?

A carbon monoxide detector in good working order is a great first line of defense. Some other signs to watch out for include:

• A sudden increase in condensation on the windows or walls
• A yellow instead of blue flame in a gas furnace
• Pipe rust
• Experiencing flu-like symptoms, nausea, headaches, or disorientation with no apparent cause

Don’t play around with carbon monoxide emissions. If you suspect a leak, call for help immediately.

Other Factors to Consider

There are a few other factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your heating system. Let’s discuss a few here.

Energy Efficiency

Newer, high-efficiency models can represent an over 40% increase in efficiency if your current system is older.

Even though you may have an option to repair, it might make more sense to buy a new system. The energy savings over time could eventually make up the difference. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing your part.

Tax Credits and Rebates

Another thing to consider is the tax credits and rebates you may be eligible for. These can help bring down the price of an expensive new system. Then, you can enjoy lower energy bills and the peace of mind that you have a new system you won’t have to worry about.  

Selling Your Home?

Are you planning to sell your home in the near future? A new heating system may not necessarily help you fetch a higher asking price. But it can help you sell your home faster as it is an attractive selling point for buyers. 

Nearing Retirement?

If you’re nearing retirement, it may make more sense to invest in a new system. That way you won’t have to worry about a big expense popping up unexpectedly when you’re not working.

Repair or Replace?

Hopefully, this article has helped you determine if you should repair or replace your heating system. If you are in the market for a new system you may want to check out our gas furnace reviews and heat pump reviews to be ready if you have to call out a contractor.

If you’re still unsure, the best way to decide is by having a professional inspect your system.