You probably know when it’s time to replace most things in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows should be replaced every couple years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every decade. But what about your heating system?
If your heating system has routine 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 really a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating equipment with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed properly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be working fine, it’s ideal to start looking now instead of waiting until your equipment breaks down in the middle of a long 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 crucial to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency. A new heating system is only as good as the air duct equipment that it’s installed in.
Another reason you need to research ahead of time 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 certain heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help discover local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to think about if your equipment isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re on the fence about replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairs. You can normally repair a furnace – change a part here, fix a component there – but at some point the cost of repairing your heating equipment will be greater than the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to think about 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 furnace’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and toasty, give TML Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any options. Starting December 1st, TML is providing discounts on specific heating and cooling systems so give us a call and ask about how much you can save!