You probably know when you need to replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating system has annual maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 10-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating equipment with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed properly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be working fine, it’s better to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your equipment breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When thinking about new furnace options it’s also critical to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. A new furnace is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research in advance is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. This year, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain HVAC equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Use this link to help find local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can usually repair a furnace – change a part here, fix a component there – but at some point the cost of repairing your furnace will be greater than the cost of replacing it and then you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to look into replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your furnace’s ability to get you through the winter safe and toasty, give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1st, Service Experts is providing discounts on specific home comfort systems so contact us and find out how much you can save!