How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?

You may 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 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment? 

If your heating system has seasonal maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start thinking about replacing your heating equipment with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency furnaces can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your heating system still seems to be operating fine, it’s better to start looking now instead of waiting until your equipment 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 thinking about new furnace options it’s also critical to consider your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can seriously affect your home’s overall comfort and effectiveness. A new heating system is only as good as the air duct system that it’s installed in. 

Another reason 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 HVAC equipment – but it’s only before the end of 2016 and hasn’t been confirmed past 12/31/16. Follow this link to help find 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 debating replacement is how much you’re spending on repairs. You can usually repair a furnace – replace a part here, fix a section there – but in the end the cost of repairing your furnace will be greater than the cost of replacing it and that’s when you really need to consider 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 confident about your heating equipment’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and cozy, give Norrell Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your equipment and provide any recommendations. Starting December 1st, Norrell Service Experts is providing discounts on qualifying home comfort systems so contact us and find out how much you can save! 

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