If you are a homeowner, heating repair is one of those facts of life you eventually have to deal with. Furnaces typically last between 15 to 18 years, so if you’re in the same house for a few decades, chances are good that you’ll have to think about either major repair or a replacement. If the unit is 15 years or older, and a key component like the control module or the heat exchanger fails, it’s really in your best interests to replace the whole unit. Thankfully, if you find yourself in this position, there are many benefits to upgrading your heating system to meet the newest Energy Star guidelines.

1. It will save you money in the long run. Older heating systems tend to have terrible efficiency ratings, partly because of their age and partly because they were simply not designed to optimize electricity usage. Today, the lowest efficiency allowed by law for new gas furnaces is 78%, and some of the newest models boast up to 97% efficiency. These higher efficiency ratings translate to lower utility bills for you, since you aren’t paying for wasted energy anymore.
2. It’s good for the environment. Say your old unit ran at an efficiency of 56%. If you upgrade your heating system to one with 90% efficiency, you’ll save an average of 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide annually with a gas system or 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide annually with an oil system. That’s a significant reduction in greenhouse gases, especially if many households make the switch!
3. It’s the perfect opportunity to install an HVAC system. HVAC systems take care of your heating in the winter and your air conditioning in the summer, improving your climate control year round. New HVAC systems are just as good at reducing energy waste as the new furnaces mentioned above.

If you find yourself in need of heating repair this winter, don’t despair! It may seem like a large expense at first, but these high-efficiency heating and cooling systems end up paying for themselves in utility savings long-term. Just make sure to hire a trustworthy service company to handle the upgrade, since proper installation is the key to maximizing the system’s longevity and overall performance.