You likely know when you should replace most items in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your furnace has annual maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 12-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start considering replacing your heating equipment with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be operating fine, it’s best to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a long freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When thinking about new furnace options it’s also critical to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. 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 qualifying heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Use this link to help find 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 on the fence about replacement is what amount you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can usually repair a furnace – change a part here, fix a section there – but at some point the cost of repairing your heating system will be greater than the cost of replacing it and then you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are paying for furnace repairs on a yearly basis, it’s probably time to look into replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the winter safe and warm, give Parker Pearce Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your system and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1st, Parker Pearce is providing discounts on certain home comfort systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!