When to Repair, Maintain, or Replace Your HVAC, Heat Pump, or Wood Pellet Heating System

The first cold night of fall reminds us how much we count on our heating systems. Unfortunately, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects that oil-heated homes will spend nearly $2,300 this winter, about 31% more than last year according to Yahoo Finance.

In Vermont, for example, the Energy Action Network found that fuel oil averaged $5.87 a gallon in mid-September, up from $3.98 at the end of February. Many households are now paying $6 or more, which adds over $400 to a typical 200-gallon delivery compared to prices earlier this year. EAN also estimates that every extra dollar per gallon adds about $700 a year to heating costs for an average Vermont home.

When fuel begins to cost this much, it’s important to start taking a closer look at how you heat and cool your home. Whether you already have a heat pump or you’re thinking about making the switch, this blog will walk you through three questions we hear from members every fall: What maintenance should I consider? Is this repair worth it? When is it time to replace it? We’ll also cover the rebates that can help.

Why does heating and cooling maintenance matter?

A well-maintained heat pump keeps you comfortable and keeps your electric bill in check. Here are three reasons to schedule a check-up now:

• Efficiency. ENERGY STAR notes that nearly half the energy used in a home goes to heating and cooling. A dirty filter alone can raise energy costs and wear out equipment early.
• Air quality. Regular cleaning keeps dust, allergens, and mold from building up inside your heat pump and blowing into your home.
• Timing. Contractors may book up fast once the weather begins changing. Therefore, ENERGY STAR recommends checking heating systems in the fall and cooling systems in the spring, because “contractors get busy once summer and winter come.”

What should a tune-up include?

It depends on your system. Here’s what to plan for with two of the most common clean heating options: heat pumps and advanced wood heat.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps need less upkeep than a boiler, but they aren’t maintenance-free. Efficiency Vermont recommends checking the filters on your indoor units about once a month and having the system professionally cleaned every one to two years.

Check the filters more often if you have pets, if a unit is near the kitchen, if you live on a dirt road, or if the heat pump runs all day and night in winter. If you have a ducted or air-to-water system, follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

Wood and pellet stoves

Regular cleaning is the best thing you can do for a pellet stove. Ash and unburned pellets will pile up when you use it. Clearing them out will keep air moving, help the stove hold a consistent temperature, and will light right up on a cold morning. So, wipe away rust or buildup while you clean and keep an eye out for parts that may need fixing or replacing. Most importantly, it’s safer. According to Pellet Heat, a dirty stove is more likely to break down and raise the risk of fire.

Should I repair or replace my heating and cooling system?

This is a question we hear a ton, and there’s no simple answer. But there are some clear signs that it may be time to start shopping.

ENERGY STAR suggests talking to a contractor about replacement if:

• Your heat pump or central air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
• Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
• Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills keep climbing.
• Some rooms are always too hot or too cold.
• The system has gotten noticeably noisy.

Don’t wait for it to fail

The worst time to replace a heating system is in January, after it has already quit. You end up taking whatever is available, and you lose the chance to compare quotes or line up rebates and financing. If your system is getting up there in age, start planning now while you still have heat and options.

What are my options if it’s time to replace?

The great news is that you have a lot of choices than just going with the same type of system you have now. Here’s where to start.

Cold-climate heat pumps

For homes heated with oil or propane, a cold-climate heat pump is a good step you can take toward lower heating bills. Because heat pumps can offer cooling, they can take the place of window air conditioners in the summer. Many homeowners keep their existing system as a backup for the coldest stretches.

Rebates can bring the cost down even more. Many states and electric utilities offer heat pump incentives, and amounts vary by location and household income. Ask your installer what’s available, or search by ZIP code with the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

In Vermont, for example, Efficiency Vermont currently offers $375 to $475 off a qualifying ductless heat pump and $1,200 to $2,200 off a ducted system. Efficiency Vermont also offers up to $600 back for integrated controls installed with a new ductless heat pump in a single-family home, plus a bonus for income-eligible households.

Advanced wood heat

If wood is already part of your routine, a newer, cleaner-burning wood or pellet system can be a great fit. Qualifying stoves and central pellet boilers may also be eligible for rebates where you live. In Vermont, for example, Efficiency Vermont offers a $400 instant discount on qualifying stoves and $6,000 back on central wood pellet boilers and furnaces.

For whichever option you choose, look for an installer who knows the rebate programs in your area and can help with the paperwork. In Vermont, Efficiency Vermont’s Efficiency Excellence Network directory is a good place to start.

Final thoughts

Getting your heating and cooling ready for winter doesn’t have to be a big project. Book your tune-up this month, run through the checklist above, and take an honest look at your system’s age and efficiency.

If a replacement is on the horizon, start planning now while you still have some time to compare options and line up rebates. With fuel prices where they are currently, it’s a great time to look at a cleaner way to heat and cool your home.