You likely know when it’s time to replace most items in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows require replacement every two years. Your smoke detectors must be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating equipment 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 contemplating replacing your furnace with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be running fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When thinking about new furnace options it’s also crucial to think about 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 system that it’s installed in.
Another reason you want to research ahead of time is to see what tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Currently, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help discover local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Something 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 – replace a part here, fix a piece there – but at some point the cost of repairing your heating system will be greater than the cost of replacing it and then you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are paying for furnace repairs on an annual basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your furnace’s ability to get you through the winter safe and warm, give Rob's Albertan Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your furnace and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Rob's Albertan Service Experts is providing discounts on certain heating and cooling systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!