You may know when you need to replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. 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 furnace has annual maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 12-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating equipment with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be working fine, it’s better to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a long freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also important to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency. A new heating system is only as good as the air duct equipment that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research in advance is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. Right now, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for specific heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help find local rebates available in your community : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Something to take under advisement if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can usually repair heating equipment – change a part here, fix a piece there – but eventually the cost of repairing your heating equipment will outweigh the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to think about long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your heating system’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and warm, give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your furnace and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Service Experts is providing discounts on specific HVAC systems so contact us and ask about how much you can save!