HEATING FAQS

The Best Heating Repair Service in New Jersey

A-Absolute Plumbing, Heating & Air is committed to providing our customers with the answers and options they need. Read below for a look at the answers to the most common questions asked about heating systems.

How long does a furnace last?

The average furnace lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 years. If your furnace hits the 15-year mark and starts making odd noises, produces uneven heating, or increases your monthly energy bill, it’s time to consider replacing the unit.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump features dual heating and cooling functions. During the winter, the unit transfers heat from outdoor air to warm your home. During the summer, the unit transfers heat from inside your home to outside to keep things cool.

When should I replace my water heater?

We recommend replacing your water heater every ten years, on average. With the right amount of annual maintenance, a water heater can last up to 12 years before needing a replacement.

Why should I consider replacing my heating system?

If you’re weighing whether or not to replace your boiler, furnace, or heater, there are a number of factors to consider. The first thing to consider is the age and type of your heating system. Older systems are far less efficient-meaning the older your unit, the more money you could save in a replacement.

Systems built 8-10 years ago (over half the average lifespan of a boiler or furnace) are 60% less energy efficient than current heating units. The older your unit, the more likely that a replacement will pay for itself in lower heating bills. If you’re facing a major repair, you may also want to consider replacement instead-our team offers special financing, which could be paid for by the lower energy costs.

If your heating has been repaired multiple times in the last few years, here’s a good way to measure your costs: take the repair costs from the last six months, and assume the same costs for the next six months. If repairs cost as much or more than a new system, then it’s time to invest in a new heating system.

How long should my new heating unit last?

Manufacturers provide different expectations for the life expectancy of their various heating units. As long as you perform routine maintenance and inspections for your system, you can expect your new unit to deliver dependable service for 16 at least years. Boilers last about 15 years, and most heaters and furnaces last for 16-20 years. At around 12 years, you can expect to begin more frequent investments in your system’s care and maintenance, but it should still serve you well for years afterward.

Is there any preventative maintenance I can do myself?

There are many maintenance tasks that you can do yourself, which can help keep your heating and cooling system at peak performance. Here are a few:

Check the air filter in your furnace once a month. Clogged filters puts stress on your heating system and decreases its lifespan and efficiency. Clean filters keep your energy bills low as well.

Clean the top and bottom of the indoor coil. Using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, clear away dust and debris from the indoor coil. Make sure it’s dry before you attempt to clean it, however! Some indoor coils require a professional to access, so call if you can’t find it.

Inspect the outdoor condensing unit. Your condensing unit needs to be free of dust, plant clippings, and other debris. Inspect the base pan under the unit as well and remove any grass clippings, leaves, or other plant refuse. Otherwise, the unit will be unable to drain properly, which will hinder its effectiveness.

Ensure the outdoor unit sits level. Shifting soil will sometimes cause outdoor units to sit unevenly. Uneven levels can put a strain on the rotating parts of the unit, as well as interfere with the flow of refrigerant in the lines. Be careful not to damage the lines if you need to adjust your unit, however-it’s better to call a professional than damage your lines.

Clean your humidifiers. This should be done at the beginning of every cool season. Your owners’ manual should have step-by-step instructions on how to locate and clean interior and exterior parts. If you have hard water, you’ll want to do this even more frequently-perhaps twice a year.

Replace the evaporator pad. This should be done annually as well.

Request service for your heating unit annually. If you detect dirt, soot, or rust in the unit’s combustion or vent system, call a professional to diagnose and repair any problems to be sure your unit continues to operate safely and efficiently. A-Absolute Plumbing, Heating & Air is more than happy to answer your questions, give a free estimate over the phone, and lend a hand with any repairs or maintenance you might need.