How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?

You probably know when it’s time to replace most items in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating system?

If your heating equipment has yearly maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 15-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating system with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be running fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your furnace 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 considering new furnace options it’s also crucial to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. A new heating system is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.

Another reason you want to research in advance is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. Currently, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain heating and air conditioning 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.

One thing to consider if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is how much you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can normally repair heating equipment – swap out a part here, fix a section there – but at some point the cost of repairing your furnace will outweigh the cost of replacing it and then you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to consider replacement.

If you aren’t sure about your furnace’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and toasty, give Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your system and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1^st, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is providing discounts on qualifying HVAC systems so contact us and find out how much you can save!