You likely know when it’s time to replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and air conditioning 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 routine maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating system with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your system 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 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 tax and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only until the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified 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 equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is how much you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can usually repair a heating system – replace a part here, fix a component there – but at some point the cost of repairing your furnace 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 a yearly basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your furnace’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and warm, give Rob's Albertan Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to go out and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Rob's Albertan Service Experts is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so give us a call and ask about how much you can save!