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Hint: it comes down to utility costs, and repair bills
First, the good news: every year, the technology around HVAC improves. What was energy saving equipment ten years ago has now been eclipsed by even more advanced systems that use far less to do a whole lot more to heat and cool your home. And while it’s great to go green, what’s even better is that these breakthroughs translate into a new unit that brings more indoor comfort and lower utility bills every single month.
The bad news? Well, it might be that old furnace of yours, especially if it was purchased when a phone was something you kept on the wall in your kitchen and Brittany Spears was only famous for being in the top 40. While the typical lifespan of a furnace is 15 years, that can vary according to brand, type, maintenance history and the way it was installed. Furthermore, while some furnaces can run for nearly twice as long, the energy they consume to heat may send your utility bills into the stratosphere. When you consider that new furnaces are so much more energy efficient and less expensive to operate than years past, it may be a more prudent and frugal decision to simply buy a new one.
So how do you know when it’s time to replace a furnace?
First, as mentioned above, it starts with your energy bill. Is it going up? Is it more expensive to heat your home this year than last? If so, chances are your system is not working as well as it used to, utilizing more and more energy to do the same job.
What about your in-home air quality? Old furnaces tend to keep the air less clean than a newer model. More dust and debris could signal it’s time for a furnace replacement, no matter how often you change your air filters.
Consider your repair history. Are you seeing a lot more of your HVAC repairperson lately? Don’t get us wrong; we love to visit with our customers! But if you find your furnace is constantly breaking down, and it’s been more than 15 years since you purchased it, it’s time for a sit-down with your HVAC technician. Keeping an old furnace running year after year is not as glamorous as doing the same for an older car or sailboat. The energy your furnace will be expending, not to mention the money you’ll be pouring into maintenance, make this more akin to keeping a broken down Gremlin going than restoring a vintage Mercedes.
With today’s rebates and energy saving incentives, there’s never been a better time to invest in an overall HVAC upgrade. Discuss your options for repair or replacement with your heating and cooling professionals.
Interested in lowering your energy bills without sacrificing indoor comfort? Call the HVAC specialists at Air-Tro today. We’ve been keeping California comfortable since 1969! (626) 357-3535.