You probably know when you should replace most items in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. But what about your furnace?
If your furnace has yearly maintenance and is kept in good working order, 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 a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a deep freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have time to look into your options. When considering 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 need to research in advance is to see what tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can get U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for specific heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help find local rebates available in your community : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is how much you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can normally repair a furnace – replace a part here, fix a piece there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating system will outweigh the cost of replacing it and then you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace on a yearly basis, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your heating system’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and warm, give Finch Air Conditioning & Heating a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your furnace and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Finch is providing discounts on certain home comfort systems so give us a call and ask about how much you can save!