Vital Heating & Air logo

Your Indianapolis Licensed HVAC Contractor


Blog Layout

The Spring Question: How Well Did the Heater Manage the Winter?
admin • Mar 14, 2022

Welcome to spring! The day of publishing this post is also the first day of spring. That doesn’t mean the weather is warm—as we’re writing this, it’s 29°F outdoors—but it does make you start thinking about the imminent change in outdoor temperatures and the future time when you’ll turn on your air conditioning system. 

Before you pay attention to your AC needs and schedule maintenance for it (which we recommend all homeowners do during spring), take a look at your heating system and consider how well it performed through the winter. This can help you focus on whether you need to have service to repair it, or if you need to begin thinking about having the unit replaced.

Does my heater really need to be replaced?

We can’t tell you this in a blog post because we don’t know the condition of your specific heater. We don’t recommend jumping to the conclusion that just because a heater has run into difficulties doing its job that it needs to go to the scrapheap. It requires a significant investment to have a central furnace or other heater replaced, and you want to feel certain it’s the right choice before committing. Our technicians can help you make the best decision when you’re unsure about having a new heating installation in Indianapolis, IN.

Keep the heater’s age at the forefront 

The older your heating system, the more appealing a replacement becomes. We don’t recommend keeping a gas furnace for much longer than 15 years, or an electric furnace much longer than 20 years. (Heat pumps range between 10 to 15, and we think going over 15 isn’t a good idea.) If you have a heating system that has recently encountered repair issues, has lost some of its heating capacity, or has started to run up the bills, you’re more likely to want it replaced if it has reached its upper age range.

The high(er) cost of heating 

Did you notice you paid more for your energy bills this winter than usual? Check to see if a rise in energy costs may have contributed to this, and also consider if you had more people in your home or generally used the heater more often. If you still can’t account for the increase, we advise you call us to schedule a heating repair. In the case of an older heater, ask us whether a heater replacement is the better option.

The cost and frequency of repairs

If repairs for your heater have turned into an annual tradition, that’s a tradition you want to break—with a new heating system. Also, consider how much repairs cost. If the quote for a repair is more than 50% of the cost of replacing the heater, we recommend you choose the replacement.

Loss of heating capacity

Don’t accept subpar heating! If professionals correctly installed your central heating system, it shouldn’t struggle to provide you with comfort. So if you spent the last winter fiddling with the thermostat to find a comfortable temperature or you found cold spots around the house, the heater either needs a targeted repair or a trip to the recycling yard.

Call Vital Heating & Air because “Your Comfort Is Vital!” We are your Indianapolis licensed HVAC contractor.

Woman checking her AC unit for replacement.
By Matt Rainbolt 06 May, 2024
Struggling with rising energy costs, frequent repairs, or a too-warm home? It might be time for an AC replacement in Beech Grove. Contact Vital Heating & Air for expert advice and installation of energy-efficient systems.
By Matt Rainbolt 08 Apr, 2024
What Is an Inverter-Type Air Conditioner? Homeowners have many new energy-efficient options for home climate control, but there is still a lot of confusion about how they operate and what the benefits are. Here’s everything you need to know about inverter air conditioning units in Indianapolis. About Inverter Air Conditioning Inverter air conditioning is technology specifically designed to help you save money on cooling costs by optimizing the HVAC system. Inverter-type air conditioners differ from other types that typically have the motor turned on or off; instead, they adjust the temperature by changing the motor speed without shutting it off. This leads to less power loss overall, making it an excellent choice for the energy-conscious homeowner. Inverter Air Conditioning Benefits Why should you consider inverter air conditioning units in Indianapolis? There are plenty of fantastic benefits to switching to this type of HVAC. Here are just a few. Energy efficiency is the number one reason homeowners choose this kind of AC. It offers the perfect combination of eco-friendly and cost-effective, two factors that are becoming more popular with consumers every day. Inverter air conditioners also offer more consistent, accurate cooling technology. The motor in traditional units only has the on/off option — this can mean that the AC might have a more challenging time getting into or out of certain temperature thresholds. But inverter-type air conditioners won’t have that issue, so you’ll have a more comfortable home regardless of your preferred temperature. Because inverter air conditioning units are newer, they’re also made from high-quality, durable materials. Many homeowners are stuck in the past with old, less efficient units that are already on their way out. However, when you invest in an inverter air conditioning system, you’ll have an excellent replacement for your older system — one you can trust to last you for years. Ask Us About Inverter Air Conditioning Units in Indianapolis Are you ready to switch to a unit that provides more energy efficiency so you can pay less to be more comfortable? Contact Vital Heating & Air today to discuss your options for inverter-type air conditioners in your home!
Heat pump infographic of the cooling system.
By Matt Rainbolt 04 Mar, 2024
Discover key tips for finding a reliable commercial refrigeration repair service in Abington, PA, to ensure your business stays cool and operational.
Woman controlling home temperature with electronic thermostat.
By Matt Rainbolt 07 Feb, 2024
Ease dry eyes and itchy skin with whole-house humidifiers in Indianapolis. Vital Heating & Air offers solutions to maintain ideal humidity levels, ensuring a comfortable home environment and protecting your home from dry air damage.
Gas broiler flame.
By Matt Rainbolt 22 Dec, 2023
Stay aware of critical furnace issues in Indianapolis with Vital Heating & Air. From loud noises to cracked heat exchangers, we ensure your furnace's safety.
Air heat pump installed on the exterior by Vital Heating and Air.
By Matt Rainbolt 03 Nov, 2023
Explore the benefits of hybrid heating systems with Vital Heating and Air. Learn how dual heat pumps offer year-round efficiency and comfort for your home.
Show More
Share by: