Kick Off the New Year With a New Heater Installation!

With the start of a new year comes a fresh budget for all those home improvement projects and upgrades homeowners have been itching to tackle. And in the heart of winter, there’s no better place to start than the heating system. After all, New Mexico winters can be quite harsh, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing, so having a reliable heater is essential for comfort and safety.

Of course, buying a new heating system isn’t exactly a minor project – for many homeowners, it can be intimidating. So, to help make things easier, this article will explain when a heater replacement might be needed, how to pick the right heating system to install, and why regular maintenance is vital for new heaters!

Common Signs the Heater Needs To Be Replaced

Naturally, the first thing homeowners should do is determine whether their heater needs to be replaced or simply repaired. Some issues only require minor repairs, while others, such as a cracked heat exchanger or a failed blower motor, can be expensive. Generally, if the repair cost exceeds 30% of the installation cost, it’s probably best to go with a heating replacement.

Likewise, if the system is over 15 years old and has issues, a replacement may be the best bet. As a heating system ages, it will start to have more and more problems as wear & tear take their toll. They’re also less energy efficient than today’s models. So, homeowners may be better off investing in a new heater instead of shelling out for repairs and paying more than necessary for energy bills.

So if homeowners are having heating issues, such as a lack of warm air, a house that doesn’t get warm enough, strange noises coming from the unit (banging, rattling, squealing, grinding), or a heater that frequently stops working, they would do well to have a professional diagnose the issue to determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Pick the Best Heater for the Home

When homeowners decide they want to replace their heater, they have a few options to choose from. The two most common home heating systems are furnaces and heat pumps.

Furnaces use gas, oil, or electricity to generate and distribute heat throughout the home. They are great options for climates that see extremely cold temperatures but aren’t always as energy-efficient as heat pumps. Heat pumps derive heat energy from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors. They can struggle in extremely cold weather but are very energy efficient and double as summer air conditioners.

Two less common heating systems that are gaining popularity are geothermal heat pumps and radiant heating systems. Geothermal heat pumps absorb heat from underneath the ground, where the temperature is more consistent, making them more effective in colder areas. They often have a higher initial cost but can save so much on heating and cooling costs that it’s a worthwhile investment. Radiant heating systems use a boiler or water heater to heat pipes built into the home’s floors. They can also come with a high installation cost but are highly efficient and can dramatically enhance home comfort.

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Heater Maintenance!

Ultimately, what kind of heating system homeowners choose will depend on their budget, preferences, and the specific needs of their home. But no matter the type, they should maintain it properly to protect their investment. Without proper maintenance, the heater’s performance and efficiency will suffer, it will be more likely to break down, and its lifespan will be shortened.

So by scheduling routine heating maintenance with a professional at least once a year (preferably in the fall, before the cold weather hits), homeowners can save money on repairs, reduce their energy bills, increase the lifespan of their new heater, and keep their home warm and cozy all winter!

About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC

Since it was founded in 2010, Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC has quickly become one of the most trusted and highly-rated HVAC companies in Santa Fe. Their trustworthy licensed technicians always arrive on time in fully stocked trucks and leave every home better than they found, guaranteed. They offer up-front pricing, personalized solutions to fit virtually any budget, 24/7 emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job – so there’s no one better to call for heater installation in Santa Fe, NM!