Now that we are in the middle of winter, I am wondering about the heating unit in my home. How long of a lifespan does one usually have; what's the best way to care for it; how will I know when it's time to replace it; and when it's time to do so, how do I go about choosing a contractor to do the work?
"On average, a lot of the warranties for heat exchanges are for 20 years," says Ron Humphrey, residential operations manager at Middleton Heat and Air in Little Rock. "But in reality, a lot of heat exchanges only last 10 to 15 years."
To get the longest life possible out of the heat exchange unit, Humphrey suggests having the system checked twice a year, in the fall and in the summer.
"In heat exchanges, the wiring should be examined, flue pipes should be checked for cracks and to make sure they're not rusted out and that no carbon monoxide is leaking from a gas furnace," he says, adding, "If there are PVC pipes in the unit, they need to be checked to make sure they haven't gotten too hot [and aren't] coming apart. And if a flame is being used, the inspector needs to make sure it has fresh air flow from an outside source."
A furnace is likely the biggest energy user in a house: Heating accounts for nearly 30 percent of the average annual energy costs for U.S. households, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Those who upgrade to a new, energy-efficient unit can reap savings in money and energy. But when's the right time to do it? Some signs of problems include:
• Heating system is too noisy, which could signal mechanical problems.
• Some rooms in the house are unusually cold or hot. This could be a sign of problems with the ductwork or that the equipment is not operating properly.
• Calls to the repairman have become more frequent.
• Leaky ductwork or poor equipment operation can cause the air to become too dry.
• Those with furnaces at least 15 years old should consider upgrading to an Energy Star certified furnace, which must meet strict performance requirements and are up to 16 percent more efficient than standard models.
Once the decision has been made to upgrade the heating system, what's the best way to find a contractor for the job?
"You want to go with a reputable contractor; one that has been in business a long time," Humphrey says.
Those searching for one should check with family or friends who have used a heating contractor and review sites such as Angie's List that post ratings and reviews. Another option is to search for a professional contractor from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
Before hiring a contractor, ask for a list of references and contact them to find out if they were satisfied with the work that was completed. Check with the state attorney general's Consumer Protection Division or local Better Business Bureau for information about any complaints or problems. Contact the state Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Board or Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board to make sure the contractor is licensed appropriately.
When it comes to getting the most out of a heating and air system, Humphrey advises that homeowners should make sure the unit they buy is the proper size for their home and to make sure it's rated as a AHRI (Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) certified system. "And make sure to change the air filter at least once a month," he says, adding that a dirty filter restricts airflow and wastes energy.
He also says installing a programmable thermostat is also a good idea.
"Program it and then just leave it alone," he advises. "The general rule is to set it at between 70 and 72 degrees when it's in heating mode and between 76 and 78 degrees in the cooling mode."
Humphrey also advises homeowners to have their HVAC systems checked twice a year; once in the fall and once in the summer.
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:
lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle on 01/17/2015