Is your furnace’s pilot light constantly on? Does it feel like you continually adjust the thermostat to keep the indoor temperature comfortable?
Florida has recorded low temperatures recently, and every residential space needs a heating system to keep them warm. Although we would like to think we can depend on our unit to work at all times, sometimes we need to take action to keep it running in perfect condition. Silent symptoms seem unharmful, but in reality, they can tell you something is wrong.
Learn when it’s time for a new heating installation in Manatee, FL, and what to consider when selecting a new unit.
- Constant Pilot Light
The basic idea behind the pilot light is that it remains lit to power the burners—when a flame is not seen, something has gone wrong. For older furnaces, the light may stay on to keep the unit warm, which a faulty thermocouple or an incorrect ignition setting can cause. Common issues like this are generally easy to repair. But if the problem persists, it might be time to invest in a heating installation Manatee, FL.
- Thermostat Doesn’t Feel Right
We have this similar reaction when our car fails to start—we get angry at the dashboard and blame it for not doing its job. In reality, there is a small problem that needs to be fixed. If your thermostat is acting up and the temperature is not maintained, there may be a clogged filter or thermostat error. For a clogged filter, pressing down on the reset button can fix the problem. If not, it’s best to seek professional advice to avoid unnecessary spending.
- Odd Smells Are Coming From the Unit
Would you feel comfortable breathing in someone else’s body odor? The same goes for your heating system. You should expect a few smells and odors when you first start it up. If a persistent smell is coming inside, it is probably time for a new one. The heat exchanger itself may have cracks or holes, which can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the house.
- Uneven Heating
When your unit works improperly, it may not heat certain home parts. Reasons vary from a blocked filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or even issues with the ducts. Take notice of which rooms are cold compared to others and take steps to troubleshoot the issue. If it is not resolved, contact a heating installation Manatee, FL specialist to learn more about what might be causing the problem.
- Frequent Repairs
It’s no secret that older units will start to break down over time. But if your unit is still under warranty, paying for frequent repairs could be unnecessary. Look closely at the unit and how often you call for repairs. Does it feel like you are calling for the same issue every few months? Instead of continuing to pay for repairs, getting a new unit might be the best option.
- Discolored Vent
When cold air comes out of the vent, it should be clear and white. If the airflow appears to be discolored or streaked, there might be a problem with the metal of your ducts or the heater itself. Cleaning the vents or replacing the ducts usually solves the issue. But if you believe it may be due to a malfunctioning unit, consider contacting a heating installation Manatee, FL expert to find out more.
- Alarming Utility Bills
One of the first things we learned in school is that heating and cooling use a lot of energy. While this is true, it doesn’t mean we should accept high utility bills. Take a look at the last few bills to see if they have gone up dramatically. If so, there may be a problem with your unit. An HVAC technician can help you determine the best course of action to take.
- Discolored Window Tinting
Is your window tinting turning black or frosting up? An issue with the air filter is probably the culprit. If you don’t properly clean or change it, your unit will work harder and consume more energy. A broken heater will also cause your windows to become discolored and streaky.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had the filter replaced, contact a heating installation Manatee, FL company to see what you can do. You can usually get your unit back up and running with minimal effort.
- Leaking Condensation
Notice puddles of water under your heating unit? It is time to call a technician immediately. A defective drain line is usually the cause, which can lead to major water damage. Unless you have a professional drain the water from your system, it will keep collecting until you no longer have a functional unit. A simple repair can help you avoid this costly mistake. However, as with all issues, a replacement might be your best option.
- Inconsistent Airflow
Do you notice that the air coming out of the vents is inconsistent? You may be dealing with a duct leak. Take the time to inspect all your rectangular ducts and see if there are gaps or holes. If there is a leak, you can get it repaired in most cases. Consider getting a new heating installation Lakewood Ranch, FL if the issue seems to be more than a minor issue.
- Your Unit is Older Than You Are
Are you nearing the end of your warranty? Maybe you should start looking for a new unit. An older heater will probably not be able to keep up with your heating needs, which could cause further problems. A new system can help you save money on utility bills and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Newer products are up to date with the latest innovations and are more energy efficient than ever – around 30% more so.
Things to Consider When Choosing a New Heating Unit for Your Household
Just because your old heating unit is on its way out the door doesn’t mean you have to get a new one. If your home isn’t big enough or your budget is tight, you can save money by looking for a repair option.
However, before you do so, here are a few things to think about:
Replacing Old Pipes and Ducts
If your old pipes have begun to leak or you have old ducts starting to fray, a new unit might be an ideal investment. A heating installation Manatee, FL company can usually address these issues during a home inspection.
Getting an Energy-Efficient System
When it comes to heating, energy efficiency is one of the most important criteria. If saving money on utility bills is important, look for a unit with a high energy efficiency rating. Modern products have become much more efficient than ones made in the last decade.
Size of the Unit
Get the right size unit for your household to avoid wasted energy and potential problems. A technician can help you determine what type of heating system best fits your home. They can also help you choose a unit that isn’t too big or too small.
Type of Fuel Used
Consider what type of fuel your unit uses. Some homeowners still use oil systems, but propane and natural gas are becoming more popular. You can still go with the old fuel type if you have existing piping and wires. Assuming you need to install new pipes and wires, it is best to go with the newer fuel type.
Cost
Like when you’re buying a car, price is an important factor to consider. Don’t just opt for the cheapest or most expensive unit. We have mentioned that an energy-efficient unit will help you save on utilities. Focus on getting the best value for your money so you can experience maximum savings in the long run.
Warranty and Installation
Make sure you get a warranty that will cover the cost of repairs if your heater starts to malfunction during the warranty period. Otherwise, you may be left with the costs if something unexpected happens. Confirm that licensed and insured professionals do the installation if you’re getting a new unit.
Other Factors
There are other factors to consider as well when it comes to heating installation Manatee, FL:
- Whether or not your unit would comply with any existing building codes. In Lakewood Ranch, there are building codes that must be followed when installing heating units. These can vary depending on the age of your home, so check with your local building codes office to ensure that you can install the unit you want.
- Whether your unit will be compatible with the ductwork. Your ductwork must be compatible with your new heating system to function properly. If the ducts need to be replaced, you may have to get a new unit compatible with your existing ductwork.
- Whether your heating needs would be met by a single- or multi-stage unit. The more stages your system has, the more efficient it will be. However, expect to shell out more dollars for a multi-stage unit. You’ll have to decide this based on your budget and your household’s needs.
- Whether or not you need to install a new thermostat. If the idea of having better control over your heating unit appeals to you, make sure that the new system will be compatible with a new thermostat. Some models can be retrofitted to work with new thermostats, but if your unit was installed a long time ago and you want to upgrade your thermostat, you may be better off getting a new system.
Don’t Settle for Less Than the Best – Trust Air Now to Handle all of Your Heating Installation Needs
If you’re looking for the best heating installation Manatee, FL has to offer, make sure to call Air Now. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced, so you can trust that we will handle your installation requirements with the utmost care. We provide high-quality equipment, top-notch workmanship, and exceptional customer service. We aim to ensure that you are happy with our work – every time!
Give us a call at (941) 216-2028 to get started.
