How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?

You may 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 should be replaced every ten years. But what about your furnace?

If your heating equipment has routine maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating system with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be running fine, it’s better to start looking into your options 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 considering new furnace options it’s also critical to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort. New heating equipment is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.

Another reason to research in advance 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 certain HVAC equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Use this link to help find local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.

One thing to consider if your system 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 typically repair a furnace – change a part here, fix a component there – but eventually 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 repairing your furnace each season, it’s probably time to consider replacement.

If you aren’t confident about your heating system’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and cozy, give Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your equipment and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1^st, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so give us a call and ask about how much you can save!