You likely know when it’s time to replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your furnace has yearly maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start considering replacing your heating system with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be running fine, it’s best 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 considering new furnace options it’s also crucial to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. A new furnace is only as good as the duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason to research beforehand is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help locate 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 debating replacement is how much you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can typically repair heating equipment – replace a part here, fix a component there – but eventually the cost of repairing your furnace will exceed 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 a yearly basis, it’s probably time to look into replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the winter safe and warm, give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your equipment and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1st, Service Experts is providing discounts on certain HVAC systems so call us and find out how much you can save!