subject: Heating System and Furnace Upgrades for the Approaching Winter [print this page] Heating System and Furnace Upgrades for the Approaching Winter
With winter right around the corner, many of us will be firing up our heating systems in preparation for low temperatures and blustery conditions. However, as the years progress, heating systems become increasingly inefficient, driving up utility costs as a consequence. To combat such ineffectiveness, consider either a furnace or heating system upgrade. The benefits of upgrading your heating are tangible and include lower heating costs, consistent interior temperatures, and increased comfort. Additionally, in upgrading you increase your home's value and significantly cut your property's carbon footprint with the array of highly efficient, modern heating technology now available.
There are some obvious signs that a furnace or heating system is in need of an upgrade. The first, predictably, is age. The lifespan of most furnaces is around 16 to 20 years. As your furnace approaches this age, you're more likely to be susceptible to a sudden malfunction that would leave you, literally, in the cold. Another clear sign is if you have seen sudden spikes in your heating bill or if your heating system has required persistent repair in the past two years. As furnaces and heating systems approach the end of their lifespan, they become increasingly inefficient and require more electricity to produce the expected output. Naturally, more energy needed means higher utility bills and, rather than have a slate of repairs performed, a new system altogether may be more cost-effective.
Outdated heating systems can also produce dry, dust air because of an inability to properly moisturize the air circulating throughout your home. Consequently, the heat that is produced cannot properly clean a home's air and can lead to significant health irritations such as persistent headaches, increased allergic reactions, and a general lack of comfort. Many of these issues can be combated by upgrading your heating systems and ensuring the proper functionality of your home's circulation.
In addition to the cost and health issues involved, an upgrade can add value to your property and cut your carbon footprint. An improved heating system is a great detail in terms of a home's resale value and provides you the necessary comfort while you still occupy the property. Upgraded systems include more-efficient technology which will lower your utility cost in addition to lowering your home's carbon footprint by requiring less energy to operate.
Before winter is in full-swing, it is important to take note of your heating system or furnance's functionality and whether or not it is optimally running. A simple upgrade can make dramatic differences in terms of your monthly energy costs and in your comfort. Be on the lookout for the signs of potential heating inefficiency and keep in mind the many benefits that come with upgrading your heating system or furnace.
