How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?
You may know when you should replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter requires monthly replacement. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating equipment has seasonal maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 10-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start considering replacing your furnace with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on utility 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 equipment breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When considering new furnace options it’s also important to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. A new heating system is only as good as the duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research in advance is to see what tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. This year, you can earn U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for specific heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help find local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
One thing to take under advisement if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is how much you’re spending on repairs. You can usually repair a heating system – change a part here, fix a section there – but eventually the cost of repairing your heating system will outweigh the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace on a yearly basis, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and warm, give Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your equipment and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so contact us and discover how much you can save!
