You may know when you need to replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating system?
If your heating system has seasonal maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 10-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start considering replacing your heating system with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be operating fine, it’s ideal to start looking now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a deep 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 dramatically affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. New heating equipment is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research beforehand 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 qualifying heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Use this link to help locate local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Something to think about if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairs. You can usually repair a furnace – change a part here, fix a section there – but at some point the cost of repairing your furnace will exceed the cost of replacing it and that’s when 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 consider replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the winter safe and cozy, give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Service Experts is providing discounts on certain heating and cooling systems so contact us and find out how much you can save!