You may know when you should replace most products in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every decade. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating equipment 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 really a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating system with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be working fine, it’s best to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your equipment breaks down in the middle of a long freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When considering new furnace options it’s also critical 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 air duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research ahead of time is to see what tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can earn U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help find local rebates available in your community : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
One thing to consider if your furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can typically repair a furnace – change a part here, fix a section there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating equipment will be greater than the cost of replacing it and then you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are repairing your furnace on an annual 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 freezing temperatures safe and cozy, give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your furnace and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1st, Service Experts is providing discounts on certain home comfort systems so contact us and ask about how much you can save!