The last thing you want is to have the heat go out in your home in the middle of a cold spell, especially when you aren’t expecting it. But unfortunately things happen that cannot be prevented. Sometimes just being aware of things that can go wrong, understanding the signs, and knowing the costs can help alleviate anxiety and frustration when they do happen.

Installing a new HVAC system entirely costs on average between $3,000 and $12,000; the price difference depends on various factors such as the size of your home, the type of system you want, among other things. Sometimes this is completely necessary and other times this can be prevented with maintenance and regular checks by a professional. 

First, let’s look at multiple common things that can happen to your HVAC during those frosty winter months:

  • Frozen Pipes
  • Uneven Air Flow and Temperature
  • Malfunctioning Heating Pump
  • Dirty Heater Filters
  • Broken Thermostat
  • Faulty Pilot Light
  • Carbon Monoxide Leak

Each of these things are not too costly on their own to repair and sometimes homeowners can even figure out how to fix these themselves. Experiencing just one of these issues is not necessarily a warning of something bigger going on behind the scenes. 

So when do you know when it is really time to replace the whole shebang? Or at least get an expert out to examine your heating system…

  • If your heating system is in need of multiple or frequent repairs, you need to think about the cost you’ve spent and the age of your system. Although some systems can run great for 20 or more years, once yours hits 10 years or older and continuously seems to have issues, it’s more cost-efficient to replace. 
  • You notice that certain rooms in your house are warm while others are much cooler. Uneven temperatures throughout your home can mean a few things: a faulty thermostat, a blocked duct, or dirty air filters. If all of these check out then it may be something more.
  • Discovering a strange sound or smell coming from your heating system can mean a simple fix or a huge headache—for various reasons. Rattling or banging sounds can go either way and you’ll want someone to check it out before the entire system goes out. Experts warn that if you notice a rotten egg smell or one that smells dusty or burning that does not subside, to call a technician immediately. 
  • If you are paying much more than you usually do when you get that energy bill, have someone take a look at your system. Heating systems that are older and have less energy efficiency, end up wasting energy, which in turn causes you to pay more money. 

Being aware of these common signs is beneficial in that perhaps you can help your heating system to last a while longer before fully replacing it. Maintaining it through the winter months is key as well as realizing there is a problem before things get too complicated. 

If you realize that you need someone to come inspect your heating system before the winter months approach, or if you know there is something that needs to be updated, do not hesitate to contact Dale Heating Cooling and Sheetmetal, who have been proudly serving Sonoma and the surrounding areas since 1989.