You probably know when it’s time to replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors must be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating system?
If your furnace has seasonal 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 really a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating system with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be working fine, it’s ideal to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a long freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When considering new furnace options it’s also important to consider your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. A new furnace is only as good as the duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research ahead of time is to see what tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. This year, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Use this link to help locate local rebates available in your area : 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 repairs. You can usually repair a heating system – change a part here, fix a section there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating equipment will be greater than the cost of replacing it and then you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are paying for furnace repairs on an annual basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t confident about your heating system’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and cozy, give Atmostemp Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your system and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Atmostemp is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so contact us and ask about how much you can save!