How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?
You likely know when it’s time to replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors must be replaced every decade. But what about your heating system?
If your heating system has routine maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 12-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start considering replacing your heating equipment with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed properly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have time to 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 ahead of time is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. This year, you can get U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help locate local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can usually repair a heating system – swap out a part here, fix a component there – but eventually the cost of repairing your heating equipment will exceed the cost of replacing it and then you really need to think about long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace each season, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your furnace’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and toasty, give Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your equipment and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so give us a call and find out how much you can save!
