You may know when it’s time to replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning system air filter requires monthly replacement. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating system?
If your heating equipment has annual maintenance and is kept in good operation, it can last 15-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start contemplating replacing your furnace with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed appropriately, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on heating costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be working fine, it’s best to start doing your research now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a deep freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also important to take into account your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency. A new heating system is only as good as the air duct equipment that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research beforehand is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. Right now, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help locate local rebates available in your community : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairs. You can normally repair a furnace – swap out a part here, fix a component there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating equipment will exceed the cost of replacing it and then you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are paying for furnace repairs on a yearly basis, it’s probably time to look into replacement.
If you aren’t confident about your furnace’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and cozy, give Broad Ripple Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Broad Ripple is providing discounts on certain HVAC systems so give us a call and ask about how much you can save!