You probably know when you need to replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors must be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your furnace?
If your heating equipment has annual maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 15-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start considering replacing your heating equipment with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be operating fine, it’s ideal to start looking into your options 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 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. 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 credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for specific HVAC equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help discover local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to consider if your furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can usually repair heating equipment – swap out a part here, fix a section there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating system will exceed the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are paying for furnace repairs on a yearly basis, 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 cozy, give Comfort Masters Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Comfort Masters is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so call us and discover how much you can save!