You may know when it’s time to replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every decade. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating system has yearly maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 12-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating system with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be working fine, it’s better to start looking 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 time to look into your options. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also crucial to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can significantly affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. A new furnace is only as good as the duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research ahead of time 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 specific heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help discover local rebates available in your community : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
One thing to take under advisement if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can normally repair a heating system – replace a part here, fix a piece there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating system will be greater than the cost of replacing it and then you really need to think about long-term spending. If you are paying for furnace repairs on a yearly basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your heating system’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 go out and inspect your furnace and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Service Experts is providing discounts on qualifying heating and cooling systems so call us and discover how much you can save!