How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace?
You may know when you should replace most things 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 must be replaced every 8-10 years. But what about your heating equipment?
If your heating equipment has yearly maintenance and is kept in good working order, it can last 15-20 years. Once your furnace reaches 15 years of age , it’s likely a good time to start contemplating replacing your heating system with an upgraded, more energy efficient heating system. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating units can save up to 20% on energy costs. Even if your furnace still seems to be working fine, it’s ideal to start looking now instead of waiting until your system 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 contemplating new furnace options it’s also crucial to consider your home’s air duct system. Leaking and undersized ducts can dramatically 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 beforehand is to see what tax credits and manufacturer rebates are available to you. Right now, you can get 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 approved past 12/31/16. Visit this link to help locate local rebates available in your area : https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder.
Another thing to take under advisement if your furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairs. You can usually repair heating equipment – replace a part here, fix a section there – but in the end the cost of repairing your heating equipment will be greater than the cost of replacing it and at that point you really need to examine 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 confident about your heating system’s ability to get you through the cold season safe and warm, give Winnipeg Supply Service Experts a call and we’d be happy to visit your home and inspect your furnace and provide any options. Starting December 1st, Winnipeg Supply is providing discounts on specific heating and cooling systems so contact us and ask about how much you can save!
