You likely know when you should 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 decade. But what about your furnace?
If your heating equipment has annual maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 10-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start considering replacing your heating equipment with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be running fine, it’s best to start looking now instead of waiting until your equipment breaks down in the middle of a deep freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also important to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can significantly affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. A new furnace is only as good as the air duct equipment that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research beforehand is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. Right now, you can get U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help discover local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Something to consider if your system 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 – swap out a part here, fix a piece there – but eventually the cost of repairing your heating equipment will exceed the cost of replacing it and then you really need to think about long-term spending. If you are paying for furnace repairs each season, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your furnace’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and toasty, give Golden Seal Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1st, Golden Seal is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so give us a call and discover how much you can save!