As fall shifts into winter, you want to ensure your home is as warm and cozy as possible. Instead of only hiding under blankets inside your home, you must ensure certain features are up to par. While repairs can come in handy to make sure your HVAC unit and air filters are working, there may come a time when you need to replace things. Here are things your local heating contractors say you may need to replace.

1. Furnace

How old is your existing furnace? It's certainly time to replace it if it's over 15 years old, Forbes reports. You should also consider the location of your furnace. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, floor furnaces are often inefficient because their vents may have to travel 10 to 30 feet along the floor before reaching the chimney. Plus, there are more energy-efficient models that you can buy to ensure that your home is heated more effectively.

2. Boiler

If your home relies on radiators for heating, you likely have a boiler system. Your boiler begins by heating water in a tank. From there, it sends this heated water through a series of pipes to radiators on your property. A typical boiler can last for about a couple of decades, Forbes suggests, but once it reaches 20 years old, you should look into replacing it if it hasn't stopped working already.

3. Thermostat

Thanks to your thermostat, you can see how hot or cold your home is. Set your thermostat to a certain level to make your home as comfortable as possible. With smart technology, you can program certain thermostats remotely. If you're on your way home and want to feel nice and snug the minute you walk through the door, you can have your thermostat automatically set by the time you arrive. A typical thermostat can last for about 10 years before needing replacement, Country Living reports.

4. Ductwork

Can you imagine breathing in air contaminated with dirt, dust, or worst of all, mold? That can happen when you have outdated ductwork, especially if it hasn't been regularly cleaned and inspected. A typical system can last about 15 years before needing replacement, according to Forbes. Poor ductwork can be detrimental to your health. After all, a proper HVAC system should ensure your home isn't just heated and cooled but it should also provide clean, filtered air that circulates throughout the home. Regular inspections from heating contractors can check to see if your existing ducts are leaky or have poor insulation that requires replacement.

5. Air Filter

Your air filter works in cohesion with your duct system to ensure that clean air is circulating throughout your home when your unit is on. A clogged air filter is not only capable of producing poor air quality but it can also reduce the efficiency of your HVAC unit. When your HVAC system has to work harder, it burns more energy, which leads to higher electric bills. Our heating contractors at NorthStar Services recommend changing your filter about every three months. However, if you have a larger household that uses your system more than normal, you may need a monthly replacement.

6. Humidifier

Humidity can wreak havoc on your home in various ways. Imagine it's the dead of summer. In addition to the heat, you're dealing with air that feels heavy and wet thanks to humidity. Do you have a green thumb and have plenty of houseplants that you care for? They can also be affected by extreme humidity levels. When your home is ravaged by humidity, it can affect your respiratory health. It only takes mold 24 to 72 hours to begin sprouting in a wet environment, according to CNET. If anyone in your home is susceptible to asthma, emphysema, or lung infections, a humid home can make things worse. Luckily, a humidifier or dehumidifier can help even out those humidity levels. Ensure your home is always comfortable and prevent mold by changing your humidifier out before it gets too old.

As you can see, professional heating contractors have several things a homeowner should replace frequently. Paying attention to this list can ensure your home is safe, and you can heat it as needed. As long as you have a responsible heating contractor on hand, they can track how well these features function and install new items as necessary. For a contractor you can trust with this type of work, contact our team at NorthStar Services for a consultation today.