You may know when it’s time to replace most items in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors must be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your furnace?
If your heating system has yearly maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 10-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start thinking about replacing your furnace with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be operating fine, it’s best to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your equipment breaks down in the middle of a long freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When considering new furnace options it’s also important to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. A new heating system is only as good as the air duct equipment that it’s installed in.
Another reason to research beforehand is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can get U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for specific HVAC equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help locate 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 debating replacement is what amount you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can typically repair a heating system – change a part here, fix a piece there – but in the end the cost of repairing your furnace will outweigh the cost of replacing it and then you really need to think about long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your heating system’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and cozy, give Norrell Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Norrell is providing discounts on certain home comfort systems so contact us and find out how much you can save!