How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?

You probably know when you need to replace most products in our home. For example, your heating and cooling system air filter should be replaced each month. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating equipment? 

If your heating equipment has annual maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 10-20 years. Once your heating system reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating system with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed appropriately, 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 deep freeze and you’re so desperate you don’t have the luxury of time and research. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also crucial to think about your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. A new furnace 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 manufacturer rebates and tax credits are available to you. This year, you can receive U.S. government tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying heating and cooling equipment – but it’s only through the end of 2016 and hasn’t been verified past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help find local rebates available in your community : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder

One 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 section there – but eventually the cost of repairing your heating equipment will exceed the cost of replacing it and then you really need to examine long-term spending. If you are repairing your furnace each season, it’s probably time to look into replacement. 

If you aren’t confident about your furnace’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and cozy, give Stevenson Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Stevenson Service Experts is providing discounts on specific heating and cooling systems so call us and ask about how much you can save!