You probably know when you should replace most products 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 heating system?
If your heating system has seasonal maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start considering replacing your furnace with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be operating fine, it’s ideal to start looking now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a long freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly 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 energy efficiency and comfort. A new furnace 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. Currently, you can earn U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for specific HVAC equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Use this link to help discover local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
One 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 a furnace – change a part here, fix a component there – but in the end the cost of repairing your furnace 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 confident about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the winter safe and cozy, give Kingston Home Services by Enercare a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your system and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Kingston Home Services by Enercare is providing discounts on specific heating and cooling systems so give us a call and discover how much you can save!