You may know when you should replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter requires monthly replacement. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors must be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating system has routine maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 10-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start considering replacing your heating system with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start doing your research 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 time to look into your options. When contemplating 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 comfort and energy efficiency. New heating equipment is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research in advance is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. This year, you can get U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain HVAC 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 area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your equipment 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 typically repair a heating system – swap out a part here, fix a section there – but in the end the cost of repairing your furnace will exceed the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are repairing 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 warm, give Neal Harris Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Neal Harris is providing discounts on certain heating and cooling systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!