How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?
You likely know when you should replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating system?
If your furnace has seasonal maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 12-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start considering replacing your heating equipment 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 working fine, it’s best to start looking now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also crucial to consider your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. A new furnace is only as good as the air duct equipment that it’s installed in.
Another reason to research ahead of time is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits 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 before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help locate local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to consider if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on repairing your current system. 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 outweigh the cost of replacing it and then you really need to think about long-term spending. If you are repairing your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to consider replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and cozy, give Peitz Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your equipment and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1st, Peitz is providing discounts on qualifying heating and cooling systems so contact us and find out how much you can save!
