You may know when you should replace most things in our home. For example, your HVAC 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 furnace?
If your heating equipment has yearly maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 12-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start considering 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 utility costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your equipment breaks down in the middle of a deep freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When thinking about new furnace options it’s also crucial to consider your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can significantly affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. New heating equipment is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research ahead of time is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help discover local rebates available in your community : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Something to take under advisement if your furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can typically repair a heating system – swap out a part here, fix a piece there – but in the end the cost of repairing your furnace 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 paying for furnace repairs on an annual basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your heating system’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and warm, give Komfort Air Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Komfort Air is providing discounts on certain HVAC systems so give us a call and ask about how much you can save!