Maine homes face a colder winter than most other areas in the United States, and it’s important to take care of our essential systems so they can take care of us. Keep an eye out for any of these signs that it may be time to replace your heating system before the weather gets too cold.
Repair vs. Replace
One of the biggest factors to determine when your heating system is on the fritz is whether your system is in need of a simple repair versus a total replacement.
Signs Your Boiler Needs Repairs
The signs for repair should be obvious long before the signs for a replacement appear. Keep an eye out for:
- Strange or unusual sounds such as clunking, whirring, thumping, and whistling.
- Not reaching the set temperature. If your home never seems to warm up to the desired temperature, you could have a heat delivery or thermostat issue.
- Unpleasant odors (such as the smell of rotten eggs) can indicate that you have a gas or carbon monoxide leak. CO is a colorless, odorless gas so make sure you have a working CO detector in your home to alert you to any potential leaks.
Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repairs
Some Maine residents use heat pumps to keep their homes comfortable. Heat pumps work differently than most other heating and cooling systems, but they have similar red flags that signal repairs may be needed.
- Frequent cycling. Each cycle on your system should be relatively normalized. If you’re hearing or feeling multiple cycles within a short period of time, your system is likely struggling to heat your home.
- Higher utility bills. Spiking energy costs are a big sign your system is working harder than normal to heat your home to the desired temperature.
When You Should Replace Your Heating System
The typical lifespan of a boiler is anywhere between 10-15 years (some homes may feature older boilers, but they’re typically a major drain on your wallet). The average lifespan of a heat pump is around 15 years with factors like heavy use, maintenance, and the age of your system playing a role in how long it will last.
As a general rule of thumb, you should replace any system if it repeatedly requires repairs or once the cost of the repairs is over half the cost of a new system—AKA when it’s no longer cost-efficient to prolong the life of a failing system. The heating professionals at Pine State Services can properly assess your system and recommend the best and most cost-efficient solution for your needs. Schedule your appointment with us online or by phone at (207) 747-1210 before the temperatures drop too much!