Is your furnace trying to tell you something? Six signs your heating equipment is losing efficiency
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Most of us don’t think about our heating equipment until it stops working — and by then, it’s too late.
Even though it seems like you’re suddenly without warmth, your old furnace or heating equipment may have been warning you. But how do you know when it is time to replace your equipment?
You just have to know what to look (and listen) for to help you plan ahead. Here are six possible indicators that may suggest it’s time to upgrade your old heating system to a new, high-efficiency model.
Every fall when it’s time to turn the heat on, we cross our fingers and hope that after all these months, our equipment still works.
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1. Age of your system
Older equipment is less efficient and could be at the end of its lifespan. If your heating equipment was already in place when you bought a home, you may not be aware of how old it is. Each unit should have a model number on the exterior or on the inside of the paneling that can help you determine the age. Check your equipment’s average life span to see if its overdue for an upgrade:
5. Adjusting your thermostat
frequently
Equipment Average Lifespan Tracker
See how you can save in your area with National Grid rebates.
NATURAL GAS HEATING EQUIPMENT
Long Island
New York City
Upstate New York
Massachusetts
Maintenance and tune-ups should be done yearly, depending on your system’s age. But if you have called a repair person multiple times in the past few years because the system isn’t working as expected, you’ll probably need a new unit sooner than later. NY residents can save $75 on a boiler or furnace tune up. Click on your jurisdiction below to learn more.
2. Frequent repairs
3. Unusual noises
Most heating systems make some noise while running, but strange rattling, rumbling, squeaking, whistling, or other unusual noises can indicate that it’s time to call a professional. And if yours goes silent frequently or for unusually long periods of time, that can also be a sign of future problems.
4. Uneven heat
Sometimes you hear the furnace running smoothly but then walk from a warm comfy room right into a cool and uncomfortable one. This might be a red flag that your unit is struggling to generate enough heat or circulate enough air to keep the whole house warm.
If it feels like you constantly need to change the temperature on your thermostat to achieve a comfortable temperature, your heating equipment may not be operating efficiently. National Grid customers can save up to $100 with this rebate on a smart thermostat. Click on your jurisdiction below to learn more.
If it feels like you constantly need to change the temperature on your thermostat to achieve a comfortable temperature, your heating equipment may not be operating efficiently. National Grid customers can save up to $100 with this rebate on a smart thermostat. Click on your jurisdiction below to learn more.
5. Adjusting your thermostat
frequently
Because our heating systems sit unused for months at a time, dust and debris can gather and corrode system components. If you're frequently noticing more dust, dander, soot, rust, or dirt building up within your home while your furnace is running, it may be a sign of inefficient equipment.
6. Poor indoor air quality
Ensure that your furnace is working efficiently while keeping you warm this winter — and for years to come.
National Grid is here to help with rebates on high-efficiency heating equipment to help you save energy and money. Standard options are typically 80% efficient while new models can reach levels as high as 98% efficiency. Meaning it converts 98% of the energy into heat, requiring less gas use to heat your home. To find savings on high-efficiency heating equipment and more information, find your location’s National Grid website listed below.
Use this chart to see if you should upgrade your water heater, furnace or boiler to a high-efficiency model.
Type of Heat Pump Technology
Average Effective Unit Life Span
Air Source Heat Pump
15 Years
Ground Source Heat Pump
25 Years
Combination Boiler-Furnace
20 Years
Furnace (Gas)
22 Years
Steam Boiler (Steel Fire Tube)
25 Years
Steam Boiler (Cast Iron or Steel Water Tube)
30 Years
Hot Water Boiler
35 Years
Use this chart to see if you should upgrade your water heater, furnace or boiler to a high-efficiency model.
Equipment Average Lifespan Tracker
Get ahead of these issues with new, high-efficiency gas heating equipment.
Equipment Average Lifespan Tracker
CLICK TO SHOW CHART
Use this chart to see if you should upgrade your water heater, furnace or boiler to a high-efficiency model.
CLICK TO CLOSE CHART
Equipment Average Lifespan Tracker
CLICK TO CLOSE CHART
Check in on your heating equipment before it's too late.
If you're noticing more dust or dirt build up, it may be a sign of inefficient equipment.
Long Island
New York City
Upstate New York
Massachusetts
Long Island
New York City
Upstate New York
Adjusting your thermostat frequently is a common sign that your heating system isn't operating efficiently.
