With winter approaching, it’s important your heater is up to the task of keeping your family warm during the cold evenings. However, how can you tell if it needs to be replaced? Air One Heating & Cooling in Foley, AL, has seen problems of nearly every type, which has given them a bit of insight into when you should replace your unit. 

If your heater is on the fritz, here are four signs it’s time for a new one: 

• Old Age: If your heater is more than 15 years old or you can’t remember when it was last replaced, it’s likely time for a new one. Warning signs of an outdated heating unit include when its flame is unsteady and flickering or appears yellow, rather than blue. This usually indicates there’s a leak in your heating system that needs to be repaired immediately for safety purposes. 
• Frequent Repairs: Having a heater that requires repairs and maintenance on occasion is a normal part of being a homeowner; it’s when you’re spending money on frequent repairs that there’s a problem. One of the foremost signs a heater is on its last legs is when it begins breaking down repeatedly or requires extensive part replacements. In this scenario, purchasing a new unit is often cheaper than performing continued repairs.
• Spikes in Energy Bill: Have you noticed a jump in your monthly energy costs? It could be due to an old heating mechanism draining your energy resources. Modern units are much more efficient than those built 10 to 15 years ago, so switching to a newer model can help you cut back on your energy costs and improve your home’s overall efficiency. 
• No Programmable Thermostat: If you frequently go out of town or aren’t home for long hours during the day, you might consider investing in a heater with a programmable thermostat. Older units often aren’t equipped with them, allowing them to run for long periods of the day when no one’s home. 

When it comes to your heater, replacing it can help increase your safety, as well as reduce your monthly energy costs. To find out more helpful tips, contact the professionals at Air One Heating & Cooling in Baldwin County at (251) 967-1665. You can also visit their website for a more in-depth look at their heating and air conditioning services.