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Many homeowners have a basic understanding on how their home’s HVAC works -- and when it’s about to break down. However, some rely strictly on their comfort level to determine if there’s a serious heating problem.

To get you ahead of the game before the northeastern winter hits, check out the signs of issues for air conditioners, air handlers, heat pumps, and more:

Does my home need a new furnace?

If the pilot light doesn’t remain a steady blue flame after a maintenance visit, you need to replace this appliance. Because a yellow or orange pilot light indicates an unbalanced mixture of air and gas, your family is at risk for combustible byproducts like carbon monoxide.

Banging noises also indicate that you may need to replace a large component. Shut off the appliance, and call an expert immediately.

Another reason for replacement is cracking in the heat exchanger. You can’t stop cracking once it starts, but the good news is that it’s due to natural wear and tear from 15 to 18 years of service.

To locate this component, check out Warner Service’s Furnace Basics For Beginners. You can also avoid cracks in the heat exchanger by scheduling annual furnace maintenance with a local technician.

You can also check out Warner customers’ top picks for Trane furnaces by clicking here.

Does my home need a new air conditioning unit?

If you’re lucky, you’ll replace an air conditioner every 10 to 15 years due to old age and natural wear and tear.

However, some homeowners aren’t so fortunate. You might need a new Trane air conditioner if the following occurs:

  • You consistently feel uneven cooling and heating, even after an HVAC technician visit.
  • The unit’s motor, transformer, or capacitor is faulty.
  • The A/C unit isn’t the right size for your home, depending on the number of floors/levels, square footage, and occupants.
  • You hear a buzzing sound from the A/C unit.
  • A severe refrigerant leak occurs, causing a reduction in pressure and the freezing of the evaporator coil.

Does my home need a new air handler?

According to Stiles, an HVAC company in Athens, Georgia, “An air handler...is an indoor unit that houses [the air conditioner’s] blower along with relevant heating and cooling elements. The unit connects to [residential] ductwork, so that air can move through the system to reach various parts of your home.”

This appliance works whether your home has an air conditioning unit and furnace for seasonal home comfort needs or a split-system heat pump. It lasts between 10 to 20 years.

You’ll need to replace the appliance if a system failure occurs based on the intensity of your heating and cooling needs throughout the year. For example, if you live in an area with particularly harsh winters or stifling summers, the air handler might give out sooner.

A system failure could occur in a singular inside or outside component, but for the highest optimization, you should replace both simultaneously. A mismatched system will cause future headaches with less comfort and a lot more money in high energy bills and a voided warranty.

Check out Trane air handlers and their Nexia Control technology in Which Trane HVAC Products Will Really Save You Money?

Does my home need a new heat pump?

Like air conditioners, heat pumps will usually last between 10 and 15 years. If you think you need to replace this appliance before then, consider if you see the following signs:

  • You’re scheduling maintenance repairs more often than usual.
  • You hear unusual noises due to high friction and/or internal resistance from faulty ductwork, loose vents, dirty air filters, and worn out motors.
  • You’re spending more on the energy bill even though you’re using average energy consumption.
  • You consistently feel uneven home heating, even after an HVAC technician visit.

If you’re looking for a new pump, check out our favorite Trane heat pumps here.

If you’re looking to replace any of these home heating components, check out Warner Service’s Trane fall promotion to save money:

Get Information On Trane Fall Promotion