Whether you own a furnace or a boiler, purchasing and installing a new unit can be a time consuming and expensive proposition. There are certainly cases where a replacement heater is required, but it is important to make absolutely certain that is the case before you end up spending money you don’t have to spend. Below you’ll find a brief guide explaining how you can tell if its time for a new boiler or furnace. Before we dive into that however, it is important to make sure you know the difference between a boiler and a furnace.
Boiler vs Furnace
Although each unit provides warm air that is circulated throughout your home or commercial property, they accomplish this task in vastly different ways. A furnace works in a similar way that a central air conditioning system works, only with hot air moving through your air ducts instead of cool air. A boiler uses radiant heating that moves liquid through a radiator that gives off heat from wherever it happens to be placed in a home. Furnaces are less expensive to operate compared to boilers, but they can lead to drafty conditions and inconsistent heating in your home. Boilers are capable of providing more consistent heat, but due to their dwindling numbers and labour intensive repairs, they can become expensive to maintain. There are pros and cons to both types of systems, and when the time comes to replace one, you may want to consider these factors before deciding which system you want for your home.
Time to Replace?
There are common signs for both boilers and furnaces that can indicate it is time for a replacement. If you notice any of the following issues with your heating system, it might be time to call the experts at High Demand Heating for advice on a replacement:
Inconsistent Heating
If you have begun to notice that certain rooms or areas of your home are beginning to feel too hot or too cold, this could be a reason to consider a replacement furnace or boiler. In the case of a furnace, inconsistent heating can be caused by a number of factors including clogged air filter, poor insulation and issues with the air ducts. Before you do anything, call an HVAC expert to take a look at the possible reasons for inconsistent heat. For boilers, uneven heating is typically caused by faulty radiators.
The Unit is Over 15 Years Old
Though it may still be working correctly, an older furnace or boiler may not run as efficiently as it once did. Models that were built more than 15 years ago, in particular, may be costing you a significant amount of money on your energy bill, due to their inefficient design. Today, new boilers and furnaces with Energy Star qualifications are widely available on the market and can run up to %15 more efficiently than their older counterparts. This will not only keep your house warmer, but it will cost you far less on your energy bills, saving you money over time. High Demand Heating offers the most efficient models of furnaces and boilers in Greater Vancouver Area.
The System is Noisy
Over time, both boilers and furnaces start to succumb to constant regular usage that deteriorates the machine over time. Sometimes radiators can make loud banging noises that can be extremely disruptive, especially during the night and early morning. Likewise, a furnace can begin to rattle and bang while running as components become loose inside the mechanism. In these cases, repairs can be made, but it will only be a matter of time before the unit is too far gone, and too costly to repair.
Dry and/or Dusty Air
As furnace ages, dust and particles can build up in the system, leading to more dust in the air that removes moisture and humidity. Similarly, a boiler can start to overproduce heat, which will lead to drier conditions inside that makes it very uncomfortable for any occupants.
If you are starting to notice issues like these are becoming commonplace with your furnace or boiler, it may be time to consider upgrading your unit with a new replacement. For more information about new, more efficient boilers and furnaces available from High Demand Heating, feel free to contact us for a quote today!
