Adequate heating isn't a luxury—it's a necessity that we simply can't go without in our climate. If you take good care of your unit it should provide many years of service, but it won't last forever, of course! It will undergo wear and tear damage over the years until it gets to the point where it's malfunctioning or not operating efficiently. When this happens, the most cost-effective option is Pittsburgh heater replacement.
Don't wait for winter to arrive to find out whether or not your old unit can last through another season. By calling our professional team for heater replacement, Pittsburgh, PA residents can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing their furnace or heat pump will not only supply the heat they need all winter long, but also save them a significant amount of money on energy bills.
Regardless of the type of unit you need installed during your heater replacement service, you can rely on our experienced HVAC professionals at Aire Serv of Sewickley for clear, honest communication, skillful workmanship and customer service that goes above and beyond.
Options for Heater Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA
When the time comes for a Pittsburgh heater replacement, it's a good idea to take some time to consider the wide range of options available to you so you can get a unit that will serve your household well. The right choice for your house will depend on factors such as whether it has ductwork already, the type of existing HVAC system, the size of your house in cubic feet and our local climate in Pittsburgh. If you're unsure of where to start, count on our team to assess your property and lifestyle so we can give you an educated recommendation.
Furnace Heater Replacement
The two most common types of furnaces are natural gas furnaces and electric furnaces. For heater replacement in Pittsburgh, PA, the most popular choice by far is a natural gas furnace. The upfront costs of installation are typically lower than that of an electric furnace. They cost around the same to operate, though natural gas may be less expensive, depending on gas price fluctuations. If you're looking for something reliable that can heat up your home very quickly, natural gas is the obvious choice. However, gas systems need to be diligently maintained to avoid the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak.
Electric furnaces operate more quietly. They are typically longer-lived than gas models and comparatively low maintenance.
Heat Pump Heater Replacement
Don't let the name fool you—heat pumps are capable of both cooling and heating your home using the refrigeration cycle of transforming coolant from liquid to gas and back again. When it is cold outside and you need heat, the heat pump moves thermal energy from outside to indoors, and when summer rolls around and you need to cool the house, it moves thermal energy from inside to outside.
In the past, heat pumps were really only suitable for warm climates with a low demand for heating power, but that has changed. Certain improvements have made them suitable for colder areas because they are able to extract enough thermal energy when it's cold out to heat your house. Heat pumps are energy efficient, quiet and generally inexpensive to operate. They can run on central ductwork, but if your house doesn't already have ducts, a mini-split system that eliminates the need for ductwork is a feasible option as well.
Choose Aire Serv of Sewickley for Pittsburgh Heater Replacement
Whether you need a Pittsburgh heater replacement service or another HVAC service, you need it taken care of quickly and correctly by a friendly professional who knows what they're doing. You can expect just that when you call the team of experienced service professionals at Aire Serv of Sewickley. We offer a broad range of services for installing, repairing and maintaining your entire HVAC system.
We take customer service very seriously, which is why our team members only display courteous, professional behavior to put you at ease. They also undergo screening with an employee background check program for your peace of mind. Our services aren't just for residential customers, either—businesses can rely on us for top-quality commercial services and emergency repairs as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heater Replacement
What Does AFUE Mean in Relation to Heater Replacement?
AFUE is an acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and it represents a rating of the actual heating capacity of your heating system, measured by the ratio of your unit's total annual fossil fuel consumption versus its annual output of thermal energy. To put it another way, it's how much heat energy your heater produces each year compared to how much fuel it consumes to operate.
Units slowly lose efficiency as they age, so an older one could be at around 50% to 70% AFUE, for example. That means it converts about 50 to 70 percent of the fuel it uses into thermal energy, and the other 50 to 30 percent is burned away without providing any benefit to you. A new, highly efficient model will use far less fuel and could have an AFUE rating of close to 100 percent, which results in significant energy savings and reduced energy costs over time.
What Are the Signs That It’s Time For A Pittsburgh Heater Replacement Service?
Not sure if your property needs heater replacement right now? Here are some of the key indications that your house is more than ready for Pittsburgh heater replacement service.
- Not warm enough: When your home never seems to get warm enough no matter how high you turn up the thermostat, your heater is likely either too small or suffering a serious malfunction.
- Cold and hot zones: One room is icy cold, while another is boiling hot, or you can even feel different temperature zones in a single room. This unpleasant problem definitely warrants professional attention.
- Frequent cycling: Your heater is supposed to turn on and off as necessary to reach the temperature you have set on your thermostat, but if you notice it is constantly cycling through short on and off phases, that's a clear sign of trouble.
- Leaks: Water is a byproduct of your HVAC system, but it's not supposed to escape. If you find leaks or puddles near your unit, it could signal a severe problem with your heater or a less serious problem with your air conditioner, both of which need to be looked at by a professional.
- Multiple repairs: A unit that is more than about a decade old and is constantly experiencing one problem or another is on its last legs and needs heater replacement. The cost of multiple repair calls will end up being more expensive than just getting a brand-new one put in.
Should I Replace My AC Unit at the Same Time as Heater Replacement?
That's not always necessary. If they were installed together and are more than around 15 years old, it's a good idea to replace both because neither of them is running at optimal energy efficiency and your AC unit will begin to show signs of breaking down in the near future (if it hasn't already!). Generally speaking, you can get a better price if you purchase them together. However, if your air conditioner was installed later than your heater and is still in good condition, you can just get a heater replacement service and leave the AC unit alone.
How Long Does a Furnace Usually Last in Pittsburg, PA?
The average lifespan of a heat pump or furnace in Pittsburgh is around 15 to 20 years. That being said, the life expectancy of any heater can be shortened by factors such as frequency of use and how well it is cared for throughout the years, especially for moving components such as the blower motor. Your heating and cooling system can also suffer from external damage and other unexpected issues that will cut down on its serviceable years and necessitate Pittsburgh heater replacement.
Call Your Local Aire Serv Pros for Pittsburgh Heater Replacement
If you are in Pittsburgh or a nearby part of Pennsylvania such as Moon Township or Wexford, the service professionals at Aire Serv of Sewickley are at your beck and call. Contact us to chat with our customer service staff and schedule an appointment for service.