You probably know when you should replace most items in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter requires monthly replacement. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating system?
If your furnace has yearly maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 12-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start contemplating replacing your furnace with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed properly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your system 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 considering new furnace options it’s also crucial 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 duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research ahead of time is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can earn U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Use this link to help locate local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
One thing to consider if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can usually repair a furnace – swap out a part here, fix a component there – but in the end the cost of repairing your furnace will outweigh the cost of replacing it and that’s when you really need to consider 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 system’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and cozy, give Comfortech Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Comfortech is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so contact us and discover how much you can save!