Older heating systems, including furnaces & boilers, whether they are gas or oil fired, are a concern for not only existing homeowners but home buyers too.
If you have an older heating system, it may have for example:
- broken or malfunctioning controls
- blocked chimneys
- unsafe exhaust flues
- cracked heat exchangers.
The above can of course make the heating system inefficient but more importantly perhaps a poteintial fire hazard as well as serious health & safety concern.
Depending on the age of your furnace / boiler, the availability of parts may be an issue as well as the ability to replace the parts into an older heating system in the first place. It may also not make sense to repair given the cost. Further, the unit is likely inefficient costing you considerable money in energy costs.
It is recommended that your heating system be serviced and maintained annually by a licensed heating contractor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Although an expensive initial outlay, consideration should be given to a newer more efficient central heating systems can help to recoup your investment by reducing energy costs.
Some insurance companies are now refusing to provide insurance on buildings with older heating systems or heating systems that are in poor condition. If the insurance company does provide coverage on a buildings with this type of heating system, they may require additional / higher insurance premiums or stipulate conditions on coverage.
Do you know the age and what condition your heating system is in?
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