You may know when you should replace most items in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter requires monthly replacement. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating system has annual maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 12-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start contemplating replacing your furnace with a new, more energy-efficient furnace. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be operating fine, it’s ideal to start looking into your options now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When considering new furnace options it’s also critical to consider your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. 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. Currently, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for certain heating and air conditioning equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help locate local rebates available in your region : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to think about if your system isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re debating replacement is the amount of money you’re spending on repairing your current system. You can usually repair a heating system – change a part here, fix a section there – but at some point the cost of repairing your heating equipment will exceed the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to consider long-term spending. If you are repairing your furnace on an annual basis, it’s probably time to think about replacement.
If you aren’t positive about your heating system’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and cozy, give Stark Services a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your system and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Stark Services is providing discounts on specific heating and cooling systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!