When Should You Buy A New Heating & Cooling System?

I recently received some information from COBB EMC which addresses the question of when you should consider purchasing a new heating and cooling system.

I am well aware that deciding when to purchase a new system can be difficult for home owners.  Energy experts with COBB EMC offer the following considerations and advice that may help you to make the decision and determine if the time is right for you to take the plunge. 

If a heating or cooling system is less than 20 years old, it should still have life left in it.  Homeowners can expect as many as 20 to 25 years of service from properly installed and maintained heating equipment.  To help make this long service life a reality, have your system inspected annually.  If it is more than 10 years old, place it on an annual maintenance program.  Good preventive maintenance will ensure the system runs safely and efficiently for a long time. 

Eventually an older system may need to be replaced.  You should replace your heating or cooling system when it is no longer cost effective to keep it in good working order.  Your system has reached this point if the following statement is true:

• The equipment is unsafe and can't be repaired.  An unsafe condition can sometimes develop in an older furnace.  This occurs when cracks or leaks develop in the heat exchanger, which keeps the hot exhaust gases separate from the warm air that circulates through the ductwork and house.  When there is a leak in the heat exchanger, poisonous gases and carbon monoxide can accumulate in the house.

If your heating or cooling system needs to be replaced, consider an Energy Matters Home Improvement Loan.  COBB EMC and GEMC Federal Credit Union have partnered to offer you a fast and economical way to finance energy-efficient home improvements.  For more information and lists of COBB EMC - approved contractors and all eligible improvements, call 770-429-2111.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and lives in the north Atlanta metro area.  Contact Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process.  Sara is easily reachable at 404-660-2481 or via e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.  Visit Sara's website at www.SaraHibbard.com.

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!