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 should be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your furnace?
If your heating equipment has seasonal maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating equipment with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be working fine, it’s better to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a long freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have time to look into your options. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also important to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. 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 credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can get 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 confirmed past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help find local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to consider if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairs. You can usually repair a furnace – replace a part here, fix a component there – but at some point the cost of repairing your furnace will exceed the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to think about 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 confident about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and warm, give Stevenson Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Stevenson is providing discounts on certain HVAC systems so contact us and discover how much you can save!