How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?

You likely know when it’s time to replace most things in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating equipment?

If your furnace has annual maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 10-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s really a good time to start considering replacing your heating system with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed properly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be working fine, it’s ideal to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have time to look into your options. 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 significantly 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 you want to research beforehand is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. Currently, you can earn U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for specific HVAC equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Use this link to help locate local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.

One thing to consider if your furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can usually repair a furnace – replace a part here, fix a piece there – but eventually the cost of repairing your furnace will exceed the cost of replacing it and then you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are having to repair your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.

If you aren’t sure about your heating system’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and warm, give Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your system and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1^st, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is providing discounts on certain heating and cooling systems so call us and discover how much you can save!