You may know when you need to replace most things 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 need to be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating system?
If your furnace has routine maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 12-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating system with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be working fine, it’s best to start looking into your options 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 crucial to consider 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 tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified 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 consider if your equipment 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 – replace a part here, fix a component there – but eventually the cost of repairing your furnace will outweigh the cost of replacing it and that’s when you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are repairing your furnace 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 cozy, give Strand Brothers Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your equipment and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Strand Brothers is providing discounts on certain home comfort systems so give us a call and ask about how much you can save!