How Often You Should Replace Your Furnace

You may know when you need to replace most things in our home. For example, your HVAC system air filter needs to be replaced monthly. Your pillows need to be replaced every two years. Your smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years. But what about your heating system?

If your heating equipment has annual maintenance and is kept in good shape, it can last 15-20 years. Once your heating equipment reaches 15 years of age , it’s probably a good time to start considering replacing your heating system with upgraded, more energy-efficient heating equipment. Installed properly, these high-efficiency heating systems can save up to 20% on utility costs. Even if your heating equipment still seems to be working fine, it’s ideal to start looking now instead of waiting until your furnace breaks down in the middle of a terrible freeze and you’re so desperate you can’t properly look into your options. When contemplating new furnace options it’s also important 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 duct system that it’s installed in.

Another reason you want to research ahead of time is to see what manufacturer rebates and tax credits 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 verified past 12/31/16. Visit 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 furnace isn’t quite 20 years old and you’re contemplating replacement is what amount you’re spending on repairs. You can typically repair a furnace – swap out a part here, fix a section there – but eventually the cost of repairing your heating system will be greater than 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 think about replacement.

If you aren’t confident about your furnace’s ability to get you through the winter safe and cozy, give Church Services a call and we’d be happy to come out and inspect your system and provide any suggestions. Starting December 1^st, Church Services is providing discounts on specific home comfort systems so call us and find out how much you can save!