New Heating System Installation & Replacement near Rochester, NY

Installing a new heating system typically takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the system type and home layout. Forced-air systems, like a new furnace installation with ductwork, may require more time, while boiler or heat pump setups can be quicker if existing infrastructure is compatible.

The most reliable furnace brands include Trane, Lennox, and Carrier, known for their long-term performance, efficiency, and warranty support. When planning a new heating system installation, these manufacturers consistently rank high for durability and customer satisfaction across gas and electric models in residential heating systems.

John Betlem carries Lennox heating systems.

The life expectancy of a central heating system is usually between 15 and 25 years, depending on the type of equipment, how often it runs in winter, and how well it is maintained.

A gas furnace typically lasts around 15 to 20 years when it receives regular HVAC maintenance, including annual tune ups, filter changes, and safety checks of the heat exchanger, ignition system, and blower motor. Hydronic systems like a hot water boiler can often reach 20 to 25 years, especially if the boiler is an ENERGY STAR rated, high AFUE model and the system water is kept clean and balanced.

Heat pumps and ductless mini split systems usually have a shorter life span, often around 12 to 15 years, because they run in both heating and cooling seasons.

If your central heating system in the Rochester, NY area is approaching 15 years old, showing frequent breakdowns, or causing higher utility bills, a John Betlem Heating & Cooling technician can evaluate its condition and help you plan for repair or replacement.

Replacing 20 year old radiators is often worth considering, especially if you live in an older Rochester, NY home with a hydronic heating or hot water boiler system. Over time, radiators can corrode internally, fill with sludge, and lose efficiency, which leads to cold spots, noisy operation, and uneven heat from room to room.

Newer panel radiators and convectors are designed to work better with high efficiency boilers and condensing boilers. They warm up faster, give you more control over comfort, and can be paired with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) so each room has its own temperature setting. That can help reduce energy use and improve comfort without overheating parts of the house.

If your radiators leak, rust, or never feel fully warm even after a boiler tune up and system flush, it is smart to talk with a John Betlem Heating & Cooling technician about replacement options and long term savings.

You can usually tell a furnace needs replacing when several warning signs show up at the same time, not just one issue. Age is a big factor. If your gas furnace is 15 to 20 years old and you live in a cold climate like Rochester, NY, the equipment has likely gone through a lot of heating seasons.

Watch for frequent HVAC repair calls, short cycling, or loud new noises from the blower motor or burner assembly. Higher utility bills with no change in usage can mean the AFUE efficiency has dropped and the furnace is wasting natural gas. Rooms that never feel evenly warm or take a long time to heat up are also red flags.

Serious issues include a cracked heat exchanger, recurring ignition problems, or signs of carbon monoxide concerns. At that point, repair is often not the safest or most cost effective choice. A John Betlem Heating & Cooling technician can inspect your system and recommend whether replacement makes more sense than another repair.