How Long Does A Heating System Last?

Posted on February 3, 2026February 3, 2026 by Nate Kiser

How Long Does A Heating System Last?

Heating systems are the heart of a home in the wintertime. They keep your space warm and comfortable when the weather outside is frigid, making your space cozy and feeling like home. Heating systems are a large investment that lasts for years, but you may wonder exactly how long a heating system lasts. In this article, we’ll go over a few different heating systems, how long they last for, and what you can do to get the most out of your heating system.

We have been installing heating systems all around Southwest Virginia since 2011. We know how brutal the winters in our area can be, and how necessary it is to have a heating system you can depend on.

If you need some help with heating maintenance, repair, or replacement, we can help you out! Give the experts here at Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We’d be happy to help you out!

How Many Years Does A Heating System Last?

Most heating systems last between 10 and 20 years. Heating systems last for a varying amount of time depending on a few factors. We’re going to go over these different variables and what you can expect for your heating system. For this example, we’re going to focus on our area of the country, in Southwest Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee.

10 to 20 years is a big range, and there are a lot of reasons your system could get towards 20 years, and even beyond that.

What Kind Of Heating System Do You Use?

The first factor is what kind of heating system you are using.

Heat Pumps: 10-15 years

Gas Furnace: 15-20 years

Oil Furnace: 15-25 years

Electric Furnace: 15-25 years

Boiler: 15-30 years

Each of these systems varies in how many years it will last. Heat pumps are towards the lower end because they are used all year long and experience more wear and tear. They provide air conditioning in the hot months as well.

Almost all other heating systems can last up to 20+ years with proper maintenance and care.

What Kind Of Climate Do You Live In?

If you live in an extremely cold climate, your heating system isn’t going to last as long as it would if you lived in a milder climate. This is because you’ll have to use it more often, and the system will work harder in colder weather.

For our area of Virginia and Tennessee, we see pretty average winters. We see cold weather in the winter and fall, but we’re not in extreme cold like areas of the northern USA and Canada.

How Often Do You Have Your Heating System Serviced?

How often you have your heating system serviced is the most important factor when it comes to how long your heating system will last. We recommend that you have your heating system serviced at least once a year, preferably before winter. If you use a heat pump all year round, you should have it serviced twice, once before summer and once before winter.

When you have your heating system serviced by a professional, they are going to inspect it, clean it, and make sure it is running smoothly. They look over the electrical components, burners, exhaust system, vents, ductwork, and thermostat. This regular checkup and cleaning will help you avoid breakdowns and major issues.

This is the same as getting the oil changed in your car, or going to the doctor for a regular checkup. It helps keep your system healthy and running efficiently.

This regular service will also help you save money in the long run. Efficient operation means less energy used to run the system, and less money spent on energy bills.

Replacing Your Heating System

If you see that your heating system is 10+ years old, it’s getting to be towards the back end of its life in lots of cases. If you start experiencing issues with an older heating system, you should weigh the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing.

If you decide to replace your heating system, make sure you are choosing the RIGHT one that fits your home and your needs. It’s a system that is going to be in your home for the next decade or two. You want to make sure that the system is keeping your home comfortable, and not costing you too much in energy bills. Consider efficiency when making your decision.

Also factor in the kind of energy you want to use. Lots of homeowners are switching to heat pumps because of their low operating costs, and ability to provide both heating and cooling. If you go with a furnace, you’ll also need an air conditioner to stay comfortable in the summer.

Give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online if you are interested in making the upgrade to a new, energy-efficient heating system!

Ways To Fix A Cold Room In Your Home

Posted on January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 by David Cochran

Ways To Fix A Cold Room In Your Home

During the coldest months of the year, like we are experiencing right now, there can be challenges keeping every space in a home comfortable. Maybe it’s a single space, or an entire floor in your home. For homes and businesses in our area of Smyth County, Abingdon, Bristol, etc., we can see some brutal weather. It’s not unusual to have a room or a space that never seems to stay comfortable.

I’ve been working in the area since 2011, installing HVAC equipment and making sure that our customers are comfortable no matter what the weather is like. In that time, we’ve helped solve all sorts of comfort problems. From a bedroom that never stays warm, to a living room that always holds a chill. The point is, not every home is the same, and even though there are some common reasons a room may be chilly, every situation is unique.

In this article, we’ll go over some common reasons you may have cold spots in your home, and the best ways to solve them. If your home is chilly and you don’t know why, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts can diagnose your problem and let you know the best path to solving it!

Most Common Reasons You Have Cold Spots In Your Home

Cold spots aren’t uncommon, especially when it drops to very frigid temperatures. Luckily, there is almost always a solution to fix the space, making it warm and cozy! Here are some of the most common reasons you may have cold spots around your home:

Poor Airflow

If you have an HVAC system that is keeping your home warm, but there are a few spaces that don’t seem to heat up, poor airflow is usually a culprit.

If you have a vented system like a furnace that uses ductwork, which is most common in our area, then there could be an issue with that heated air getting to every space in the home. With a system like this one, your furnace produces heat, and then it’s pushed through your vents. Most commonly, bedrooms and spaces that are furthest away from the furnace have been the problem areas.

If you are experiencing poor airflow, there are a few things you can check. First off, put your hands over the grate or vent that is located in the cold room. If you notice there is no air coming out, or very little, it could mean there are problems with your airflow.

If you suspect airflow issues, check your filter. Sometimes a clogged air filter is the problem, causing air to back up in the system and not being pushed to every space in the home. If you change the filter and there is still no air coming out the way it should, call a professional. They will be able to assess the problem and present you with the solution. You could have leaking or improperly installed ductwork. You may also have issues with the furnace. There could be a problem with the fan, blower motor, or heating elements.

A professional will be able to help you out, and likely fix the problem!

Poor Insulation

Now, suppose you have a cold room, but the air from the furnace seems to be pumping out just fine. You put your hands over the vent in the cold room, and hot air is coming out just fine. Now you know the furnace and ductwork aren’t the issue. In this case, your room may be poorly insulated.

Suppose you have a room over a garage, or with some old, leaky windows. These are rooms that may have trouble retaining heat. For these rooms, you can seal the windows or even install double-pane windows that do a better job of insulating the room from the weather. You can also talk to a professional about adding some insulation to the room. This could help you keep the space more comfortable, and also save money by not wasting energy heating a room that never stays warm.

Heating System Issues

If you have an older heating system, be it a furnace, heat pump, or boiler, it can run into performance problems. As these systems age, they can lose efficiency, and begin to perform worse than when they were first installed. This can manifest in breakdowns, higher energy bills than needed, or cold spots around the house.

The best way to avoid this issue is to schedule routine maintenance. If your heating system is looked at regularly, inspected, and serviced by a professional, they will be able to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. It will help you avoid major problems, reduce the likelihood of a breakdown, and improve the quality of the air in your home.

If the system is serviced and still not making the place comfortable, it may just be time to consider a replacement. Upgrading to a new heating system will improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and give you a new HVAC system for at least a decade, and hopefully more with regular maintenance.

How To Fix A Cold Space In Your Home

We’ve already gone over a few ways to fix these cold spots, but we are going to outline a few here once again:

Change your air filter
Schedule routine HVAC maintenance
Ensure vents aren’t blocked by furniture
Seal leaks around the windows and doors
Call a professional to check on vents/heating system
Add insulation to your walls

You can also take further steps like adding energy-efficient double-pane windows and doors to your home as well, but those projects can become expensive.

Adding Supplemental Heating To Your Home

Another solution is to add supplemental heating, be it a space heater or a ductless mini split. We are big fans of ductless mini splits. These units can provide both heating and cooling, and do so quietly and efficiently. We’ve installed hundreds of mini splits over the years, and we understand why people love them so much!

Supplemental heating is good when you don’t want to replace your heating system, but you want to take care of this problem area without stressing your current HVAC system too hard.

Space Heaters VS. Ductless Mini Splits

Fixing Heating Problems In Your Southwest VA Home

If you are experiencing heating problems in your home, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. One of our comfort specialists will be able to take a look at your home, and let you know the best solution to making your space comfortable. Stay warm and have a great day!

Tips To Staying Warm At Home During The Polar Vortex

Posted on December 12, 2025December 12, 2025 by Nate Kiser

Tips For Staying Warm At Home During The Polar Vortex

For homeowners in Southwest Virginia, the winters can be brutal. Right now, we are experiencing some VERY cold weather due to the Polar Vortex, bringing temperatures in our area down below ten degrees at times. When you get out of the freezing temperatures or snowy weather, you want to come home to a warm, cozy space. Not only is it important to be comfortable at home, but it’s also crucial to consider energy efficiency.

Complete Comfort has been keeping homes and businesses comfortable for over a decade. From heating and cooling to installing generators for backup power, we want to make sure everyone in our community is taken care of. We operate all over Southwest Virginia in neighborhoods like Bristol, Abingdon, Meadowview, and Marion. We know not every home is the same, and each have their own specific comfort needs.

In this article, we are going to go over some ways you can make your home more comfortable during the polar vortex, and more energy efficient this winter. The last thing you want to do is spend more money than you should on heating your home. Instead of worrying about the heating bills, these steps should help you keep energy costs down, and make your home a more comfortable, environmentally friendly place to live!

If you want to speak to an expert today about your home comfort, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We’d be happy to help you keep your space warm and cozy during the cold weather.

Tips To Staying Warm And Saving Energy

During a cold spell like a polar vortex, you are going to want to make sure your home is ready for these frigid temperatures. Here are some tips that will help you keep your home comfortable, and also stay energy efficient.

Ensure Your Vents Aren’t Blocked

Make sure all the vents in your home are clear and not blocked by furniture, curtains, or laundry. It’s easy to overlook a vent and maybe move a couch or a desk in front of it when rearranging furniture. If your vents are blocked, it could stop the flow of the air, and prevent the space from staying warm. It can also back up air into your heating system and stop it from working properly.

Turn Your Fans To Clockwise

Turning your fans to clockwise and running them at a low speed will create an updraft, and push warm air that builds up by the ceiling down into the living space. Make sure the fan isn’t running too fast, or it will create too much of a draft and make the space cold.

Seal Any Drafts And Leaks Around The Home

Make sure your home isn’t leaking air by sealing cracks around windows and doors. You can use weatherstripping, caulk, and door draft blockers that won’t cost a lot of money, but could make a big difference when it comes to your home comfort and energy bills. Check around the house and make sure your windows are closed tight, and don’t have any spaces that could be leaking air. Feel under doorways to see if there’s a draft from outside.

It also helps to keep curtains drawn and add another layer of “insulation” that prevents the windows from making your space cooler. Windows, even when sealed and shut, can still be sources of energy loss.

Bonus Tip: If you have old windows, they could be thin and may be a major source of energy loss. If you were thinking of improving your home, upgrading to energy efficient windows and doors could end up saving you in energy costs in the long run.

Check On Insulation

Your insulation is generally in your walls and attic, and it keeps your space protected from the outside elements. Just like sealing windows and doors prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, insulation will keep your home protected from the weather outside.

If a home has poor or failing insulation, it could mean spaces around your home are going to suffer. These spaces are going to get cold easily, and make your heating system work harder. If you think you need some help with your insulation, call a professional to add or improve the insulation in your home.

Wearing Slippers, Robes, And Using Blankets

This is basic, but wearing warm clothes, slippers, and having blankets spread around the house are going to make you more comfortable. It’s going to help you stay warm without having to turn up the heat too much. Not only is this cozy, but it saves you money from running up your heating bill.

Schedule Routine Heating Service

You should have your heating system serviced at least once a year. Whether you have a furnace, a boiler, or a heat pump, routine maintenance is the best thing you can do to get the most out of your system.

During routine maintenance, an HVAC technician will perform a series of tasks that provide your system with a few benefits.

Improved energy efficiency
Cleaner indoor air
Improved heating
Lower energy bills
Longer system lifespan
Fewer breakdowns
Ensures safe operation
Maintains warranty

There are lots of different reasons you should have your heating system serviced, but the bottom line is that it’s going to improve your comfort, save money in a few ways, and ensure the system is running safely.

Whether there is a polar vortex or not, having your heating system serviced at least once a year is the best thing you can do for your HVAC unit.

Contact Us About Your Heating

If you are having any trouble with the heating system in your home, call us today at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Whether you are in need of a service for your heating system, a repair, or an upgrade, we can help. Our experts have helped families all over Southwest Virginia, and would be happy to help you as well!

When Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Nate Kiser

When Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

The summer is starting to wind down, and we know how quickly the cold weather is going to get here. This is why we want to start telling homeowners about the benefits of furnace service.

The best time of year to have your furnace serviced is the fall. Anytime between September and November is when we prefer to perform heating service, and we will tell you a bit more about why.

I’ve been servicing heating systems for over a decade, and can tell you how important it is to have yearly maintenance performed by a professional. It’s a major component of your home, keeping you warm, and also having a major impact on your energy bills. In this article I’ll tell you a little more about why you want your HVAC system serviced every year, and why the fall is the best time of year for heating service.

If you want to schedule your HVAC service now, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts will be able to tune-up your heating system, and make sure your home is ready for the cold weather!

Why Is The Fall The Best Time Of Year For Heating Service?

We think that the fall is the best time of year for heating service. Now that’s not to say you shouldn’t have your system serviced in the but there are a few reasons we like the fall a bit more.

First of all, we prefer to look at the system before you have to put it into regular use. If you have a heating system that uses oil or gas to create heat, we want to make sure it’s operating safely before you use it. Harmful gasses like carbon monoxide are produced when you burn fossil fuels like these, and can be VERY dangerous if they aren’t properly expelled from your home.

We also just want to make sure your system is working properly and efficiently, on top of safely! If your system is running less efficiently than it could be, you are probably paying too much money on your energy bills.

Another reason we like to schedule heating service during the fall is the flexibility of our schedule. During the winter months, we have to deal with a lot more breakdowns and urgent matters. This gives us less time to be flexible for our customers unfortunately. Scheduling in the fall allows you to pick a time slot that works better for you and your schedule!

How Often Should You Have Your Heating System Serviced?

We recommend that you have your heating system serviced at least once a year. Regular service helps you get the most out of your system, and gets ahead of problems before they escalate and become expensive.

If your furnace is 10+ years old, you may want to consider a service at the start of the season, and then one towards the end of the winter after it’s been running for months. This will make sure it’s operating properly and safely.

What Are The Benefits Of Routine Heater Maintenance?

Routine heater maintenance offers a few more benefits than simply having a working heater. When you schedule annual heating maintenance, you will also be doing a few other things:

Improved Energy Efficiency/Lower Energy Bills

One of the most immediate benefits of regular furnace maintenance is improved energy efficiency. When your furnace is clean and well-maintained, it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home, which means it uses less energy. This improved energy efficiency is going to lead to lower energy bills. If you are using less energy, you are spending less money!

During a maintenance visit, the technician will check and clean components like the blower motor, heat exchanger, and burners. They will also inspect the ductwork for leaks and ensure that the thermostat is calibrated correctly. All of these small tasks can add up, leading to better energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and a warmer space!

Ensured Safety

Unlike air conditioning, safety is a concern when it comes to your home’s heating system. If your furnace burns gas or oil, you want to make sure that it’s operating safely. Carbon monoxide is produced from a system that uses combustion to produce heat, and then expelled out of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations.

Routine maintenance includes a thorough inspection of your furnace’s components to ensure that everything is operating safely. The HVAC technician will check for issues like cracks in the heat exchanger, which could allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home. They will clean the components and make sure the pilot light is functioning properly. They will also inspect the flue and ventilation system to ensure that the gasses are being properly expelled outside.

Even with a routine service, you should still have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it’s impossible for you to detect on your own. A carbon monoxide detector will let you know if there is a problem.

Better Indoor Air Quality

As your furnace creates warm air, it then pumps it into your ductwork and throughout your home. If the furnace is dirty, the air in your home could be dirty as well. Over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can accumulate in your heating system, and if the system isn’t properly cleaned, these irritants can get into your air.

During a maintenance visit, the technician will clean or replace the air filters, which catch a lot of those airborne irritants that make their way into your HVAC system. A technician will also clean the furnace’s internal components, removing any buildup of soot or dirt that could affect air quality. This will help clean the air and make sure you and your family have a healthier living environment.

Longer System Lifespan

Your furnace should last for over a decade. Regular service will help you extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by fixing issues before they escalate, and making sure it’s in good working shape.

Just like taking your car to the mechanic for an oil change, your heating system needs regular check-ups to operate smoothly and efficiently. If you go years without service for your heating system, it could mean replacing your system years prematurely as well.

By addressing small issues during regular maintenance, you can prevent them from escalating into major problems that could cause your system to fail prematurely. This is going to help save money in 3 ways:

Fewer repairs needed
Lower energy bills
Fewer heater replacements needed

Maintain Your Warranty

Many furnace manufacturers require regular professional maintenance as part of their warranty terms. If your furnace is still under warranty, you will likely need to have it serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year to keep it valid.

Scheduling Routine Furnace Maintenance In Abingdon, VA

If you live in Abingdon, VA, and the surrounding areas, give Complete Comfort a call for regular heating service. We’ll take a look at your heating system and make sure it’s in good working order. We will replace your filter, and make sure your home is ready for the cold weather! Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or click here to contact us online!