During the winter months, your heater plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort. If you begin to notice it isn’t operating properly, you must determine whether it simply needs to be repaired or if the time has come to get a replacement. Before you spend money on either, there are a few factors to take into consideration. As the top HVAC contractor in Wilder, KY, Arc Electric & Air Conditioning & Heating Inc provides a variety of high-quality services designed to help residents keep their homes comfortable and efficient year-round.

Below, they explain how to assess your equipment to identify the best solution for your heater problems:

• Age: One of the first things to take into account when your heater starts acting up is how old it is. In general, most systems have a life-span of approximately 15 years. If yours has already reached this age or is close to approaching it, it may be worth the investment to get a newer, more efficient model. However, if you’ve had it less than 10 years, there’s a good chance any issues can be fixed.

• Repair Bills: It’s also important to think about how much you’ve been spending on repairs. If you’re frequently calling your HVAC contractor, it’s likely the visits are adding up. The need for constant repairs is a good indication the system is failing and will only continue to cost you money. 
• Efficiency: How efficiently your heater is working is another way to gauge if you should get a repair or replacement. The most common signs of inefficiency are an unexplainable rise in heating bills and uneven heat distribution. Often, these problems can be addressed by fixing or replacing a part, unless your equipment has become outdated. 

Regardless of how well you take care of your heater, it will eventually begin to show signs of wear and tear. To avoid spending more money than necessary, it’s important to be able to distinguish between the need for repairs and replacement. Although keeping these factors in mind will give you a good idea of which option to choose, you should refer to a professional HVAC contractor before making a decision. Contact Arc Electric & Air Conditioning & Heating at (859) 441-7161, or visit their website for more information on services and savings.