You probably know when you need to replace most items in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating system?
If your furnace has seasonal maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating equipment 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 furnace still seems to be operating fine, it’s best to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a deep freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also crucial to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. New heating equipment is only as good as the duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research beforehand 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 specific heating and cooling 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 region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is how much you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can normally repair a furnace – replace a part here, fix a section there – but eventually the cost of repairing your heating system will be greater than the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to think about long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace each season, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your heating equipment’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 system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Service Experts is providing discounts on specific heating and cooling systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!