Heating FAQs in Pittsburgh, PA
You don’t need to be a trained HVAC professional to get the most from your home’s heating system. You will, on occasion, need the assistance of professionals like those at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for jobs like repairs, installations, and maintenance. With the right knowledge, you’ll have a better understanding of when you need help and what kind of help.
- Over 90 Years in Business
- Family Owned and Operated
- Specialize in Whole-House Energy Savings Approach
We’re here to answer the questions that customers most commonly ask us about their heating in Pittsburgh, PA. We believe in having informed customers, and we hope you find this information useful.
Contact the Boehmer Heating & Cooling team today. Over 90 years of putting you first!
What’s the Best Heating System for Pittsburgh Winters?
There is no single "best" heating system. Otherwise, that would be the only system we install. Different homes have different heating requirements and setups, and a major part of heating them is locating the perfect match with a heating system. For example, although boilers have many great advantages, they may not be the best installation for a home that already has an extensive ventilation network designed for a forced-air system like a furnace.
The best way to determine the ideal heating system for your needs is to work with our experienced professionals. We can evaluate your home and ask the right questions to find out how best to keep you and your family warm winter after winter.
How Often Should I Service My Furnace or Heater?
We recommend that a furnace (or any heating system) receive maintenance service once a year. Maintenance which includes an inspection and tune-up. The best time to schedule maintenance is in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
What’s the Lifespan of a Typical Heating System?
This depends on the system type. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Gas furnaces: 15 years
- Electric furnaces: 20+ years
- Heat pumps: 10–15 years
- Boilers: 20–30 years
- Geothermal heat pumps: indoor parts, 10–15 years; outdoor loops 50+ years
External factors will affect the service life, most importantly maintenance. Without regular maintenance, most heating systems will last for fewer years.
How Do I Know If My Furnace Needs Repairs?
Here are common signs you need to call professionals to fix your furnace:
- Unusual noises or louder operation
- Furnace turns on and off frequently (short-cycling)
- Uneven heating around the house
- Delayed burner ignition
- Furnace struggles to reach the setting on the thermostat
- Low airflow from the vents
Please don’t try to diagnose furnace issues yourself. It’s vital that you call licensed professionals to do the work.
What Are the Most Common Heating System Problems?
These are several problems that we often fix for our customers:
- Heating system that shuts off too early (short-cycling)
- Heating system that runs for too long
- Hot and cold spots around the house while the heater is on
- Malfunctioning blower fan
- Electrical malfunctions (this includes gas-powered systems)
- Heater trips the circuit breaker
- Heater cannot get the house warm enough
Should I Repair or Replace My Heating System?
This is a big choice you may have to make when you have an older heating system. At what point are repairs no longer worth the cost and it’s better to invest in an upgrade to a new heater? If your heater is over its estimated service life, it’s usually best to replace it. We also recommend you don’t pay for any single repair that would cost more than half the price of getting a new furnace.
You can always ask your technician for advice about whether continuing with repairs is a cost-effective choice.
What Are the Benefits of a High-Efficiency Furnace?
Although high-efficiency furnaces are more expensive to purchase upfront, they have the significant advantage of consuming less energy to produce the same amount of heat as a mid-efficiency furnace. This can add up to large savings over the life of the furnace. High-efficiency furnaces also tend to run quieter and create a more even spread of heating with fewer temperature fluctuations thanks to technology like variable speed fans. Our technicians will help you navigate options for high-efficiency furnaces to see if one is right for your next heating installation.
