You probably know when you should replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating equipment has yearly maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 15-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating equipment with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your equipment breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly 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 seriously affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. A new furnace is only as good as the air duct equipment that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research ahead of time is to see what tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. This year, you can receive 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 verified past 12/31/16. Use this link to help discover local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
One thing to consider if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is how much you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can usually repair a heating system – replace a part here, fix a piece there – but at some point 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 on an annual basis, it’s probably time to look into replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and cozy, give Air Engineers Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your equipment and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Air Engineers is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!