How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?
You probably know when you should replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every ten 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 heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start considering replacing your furnace with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be running fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When considering new furnace options it’s also critical to take into account 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 to research beforehand is to see what tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can earn U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain HVAC equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Use this link to help locate local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Something to think about if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on repairs. You can normally repair a heating system – replace a part here, fix a piece there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating equipment will be greater than the cost of replacing it and that’s when you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace each season, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your furnace’s ability to get you through the winter safe and cozy, give Coastal Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your furnace and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Coastal Service Experts is providing discounts on certain HVAC systems so call us and find out how much you can save!
