You probably know when it’s time to replace most items in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter requires monthly replacement. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors must be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your furnace?
If your heating equipment has annual maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating equipment with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be running fine, it’s ideal to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your system breaks down in the middle of a deep freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When considering new furnace options it’s also important to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. New heating equipment is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research in advance is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can receive 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. Follow this link to help find local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your equipment 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 usually repair a furnace – replace a part here, fix a component 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 positive about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the freezing temperatures safe and toasty, give Orangutan Home Services a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Orangutan Home Services is providing discounts on qualifying heating and cooling systems so call us and discover how much you can save!