You may know when you need to replace most items in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your furnace?
If your heating equipment has yearly maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating system 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 appropriately, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be running fine, it’s better to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your equipment 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 thinking about new furnace options it’s also crucial to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. A new heating system is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason to research beforehand is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can earn U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain 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.
Something to take under advisement if your furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can usually repair a furnace – change a part here, fix a piece there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating system will be greater than the cost of replacing it and then you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are repairing your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t sure about your furnace’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and toasty, give Gordon's Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your equipment and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Gordon's is providing discounts on certain HVAC systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!