You probably know when you need to replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating system has routine 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 thinking about replacing your furnace with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be working fine, it’s better to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When considering new furnace options it’s also critical to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can significantly 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 you want to research in advance is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can receive 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 confirmed past 12/31/16. Use this link to help discover local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is what amount you’re spending on fixing your current furnace. You can usually repair heating equipment – swap out a part here, fix a component there – but at some point the cost of repairing your heating system will exceed 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 on a yearly basis, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your furnace’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and toasty, give Sunbeam Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your furnace and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Sunbeam is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so contact us and discover how much you can save!