You probably know when you need to replace most items in our home. For example, your heating and cooling 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 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating system has yearly maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 10-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start considering replacing your heating system with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency furnaces 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 equipment 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 thinking about new furnace options it’s also important 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. A new heating system is only as good as the 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. Right now, you can get U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying HVAC equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been approved past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help discover local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
One thing to take under advisement if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is how much you’re spending on repairs. You can usually repair a heating system – change a part here, fix a component there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating system will be greater than the cost of replacing it and that’s when 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 sure about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and warm, give McKinley Heating Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your furnace and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, McKinley is providing discounts on certain heating and cooling systems so contact us and find out how much you can save!