Experienced Morris County, NJ HVAC and Water Heater Professionals

When Should I Consider Replacing My Furnace, Boiler or Air Conditioner?

There’s probably nothing that contributes more to our sense of comfort in our homes than the ability to control indoor temperatures — to stay toasty when it’s freezing outside or to keep cool on a steamy summer day. If you’re like most people, you regularly change your filters and perform other routine homeowner maintenance to minimize the risk that your system will break down.

For help with your heating or cooling system, call 877-466-3657 or fill out our online request form.

But your HVAC system has a life expectancy — even if you diligently maintain it, it will need to be replaced at some point. How long should you expect your system to function efficiently? When will you know it’s time to replace your furnace, boiler or air conditioner?

At NJR Home Services, we understand the importance of protecting your home heating and cooling systems. This page answers important questions to help you proactively monitor residential HVAC systems and make the right decisions.

Knowing When It’s Time to Replace a Furnace or Air Conditioner

When it comes time to replace a furnace, boiler or air conditioner, there’s something you need to know — your heating and cooling systems are intended to work cooperatively. When you replace one unit, it often makes good sense to replace both. Installing a furnace that complements your AC unit may maximize air flow and minimize energy costs. You’ll also decrease the risk that your coil will freeze and that you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for a new coil (most manufacturers do not offer warranties for “coil-only” replacement).

Another good reason to consider installing both systems at the same time — because of the advances in technology over the past 10 years, the HVAC systems now available are more efficient than those offered just a decade ago.

What Are the Symptoms That My Furnace, Boiler or AC Unit Needs to Be Replaced?

Here are the common indicators that your HVAC system may be starting to fail:

• Your energy bills have gone up with no corresponding change in the weather. This may be a sign your furnace, boiler or air conditioner is losing its efficiency.
• You’re making more frequent calls for service. If you’ve had more than one major repair in the last two years you may want to consider replacing it. There are a lot of moving parts in your furnace, boiler and AC units, and they all wear down over time. As your system starts to decline, you may have to replace more and more parts.
• Your HVAC system makes strange noises. If you hear clanging, banging, whistling, rattling, squealing or screeching, don’t ignore it. It may be time to replace your system.
• Is your blower running all the time? This is not necessarily a sign you need a new unit. It may, however, be part of a bigger problem, so it’s a good idea to have it checked out.

What’s the Life Expectancy for My Water Heater?

Whether it’s a hot shower, hot water for your laundry or to run the dishwasher, dependable access to hot water is an essential part of what makes us comfortable in our homes. Like your HVAC system, your water heater won’t last forever. As a general rule, the useful life of most water heaters is about 10 years.

What Are the Signs My Water Heater Should Be Replaced?

As your water heater starts to fail, here are some of the things to look for:

• Temperature problems. You have to wait longer for hot water or the water never gets really hot.
• Water leaks. There are water stains or puddles under or around your water heater.
• Rust or corrosion. You see rust stains on the floor or observe rust spots or corrosion on the tank. This may be evidence that the metal in your tank is deteriorating.
• Sediment or minerals in the bottom of the tank. Every water heater tank will accumulate sediment. Pour a glass of cold water and a glass of hot water and compare the two. If the cold water is clear, but the hot water is cloudy, brown or murky, you most likely have a significant buildup of sediment in your tank. The more sediment you have, the less efficient your water heater will be. If it’s not significant, you can alleviate the problem by flushing the tank on a periodic basis. Often, though, the buildup can’t be flushed. If that’s the case, it’s probably time to replace the unit.

Experienced Home HVAC and Water Heater Technicians in Morris County, New Jersey

At NJRHS, we offer a wide range of HVAC services within Morris County from installation and inspection to servicing and repair of furnaces, boilers and air conditioning units. We also install and service water heaters.

Do you need licensed, knowledgeable and experienced service technicians to repair or service your residential HVAC system in Parsippany, Rockaway or the surrounding communities?

Discover the ease of one-stop shopping. Simply call our customer service representatives at 877-466-3657 or complete our online request form. We’ll respond promptly and answer any questions you might have.