Temperatures have begun to fall and many of us have started turning our heat on. As we move deeper into the cold weather, your heating unit is an essential part of keeping your home comfortable. However, it’s easy to overlook an upgrade until your system stops working completely. Keep your system in working order by paying attention to signs that it is time for an upgrade sooner rather than later.

If you notice any of these 5 signs, it’s time to call in an HVAC professional like Nelson’s Heating & Cooling.

  1. Rising Energy Bills. A good giveaway that something could be wrong is a rising energy bill. While most energy bills fluctuate depending on the season and how often you use your system, there is a difference between a reasonable amount and a significant amount of fluctuation. If yours are steadily on the rise without a change in usage, call an HVAC technician.
  2. Noises coming from the unit. Some sounds are normal, others not so much. Squealing, thumping, banging, and clicking are all sounds you do not want to hear. Even if your system reaches the set temperature, a noisy struggle to get there is not a good sign. Major repairs or replacement could be next.
  3. Cracks and corrosion. Sound is important, but so are visual inspections. Take the time to look at your unit for any cracks or corrosion occurring and find out what it means for your system from an HVAC tech. 
  4. Repairs are consistently needed. If you are running into repair after repair, an upgraded system could be the key to saving money. While it may cost more up front to replace a system, it will save you money in the long run as repairs will not be needed and energy efficiency will improve.
  5. Your system is old. Like many other appliances, heating systems are not immune to old age. The age of your system will play a role in how well it performs and how susceptible it is to needing repairs. Throwing money at an aging heating unit can end up costing you more in the long run.

Even if you do not notice any of these signs, it is still recommended that you have preventative maintenance performed on your unit at least twice a year. Our team at Nelson’s Heating & Cooling can help you figure out if and when an upgrade is necessary. Give us a call at 757-566-7014 for information on our preventative maintenance packages or to schedule a service call.