Your furnace keeps your home warm and comfortable during the cold months, so it’s essential to know the condition of your heater. You may have guessed that maintenance extends the furnace’s lifespan, but how long does a furnace last?
If you’d like to know the average lifespan of your furnace, keep reading. We’ll discuss furnace lifespans, furnace maintenance, and when you should consider furnace repair vs. replacement.
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
Technically, there is no exact answer to “How long do furnaces last?” The answer differs depending on various circumstances, like the condition of the furnace. On average, your furnace may last 15 to 30 years.
If you have a regular maintenance plan, your gas or electric furnace may last up to 40 years. Keep in mind, however, that a furnace lasting for four decades is rare. Forty-year-old functioning furnaces aren’t impossible, but It’s not realistic to purchase a heating unit in your twenties and expect it to last until you’re sixty-five. Proper maintenance should ensure the furnace works for at least 15 to 20 years, if not more.
What Determines Furnace Lifespan?
You read earlier that certain circumstances determine how long your furnace lasts. One factor that dictates your furnace lifespan is the make and model of the heating unit.
Newer models are built to work more efficiently than older models. Moisture and lack of ventilation may also impact how well your heating system works.
Poor ventilation means moisture can build up and rust essential components. Poor installation can negatively impact heater longevity as well. A poorly installed HVAC system is prone to breakdowns and poor air distribution.
As a side note, if you aren’t properly trained to install a heating unit, do not attempt to do so. Leave the installation to HVAC technicians.
Why is Scheduled Maintainance Important?
Something else we’ve mentioned determines how long a furnace lasts—maintenance. It’s important to schedule furnace maintenance yearly to have your unit tuned up and cleaned.
Maintaining your furnace may not seem like a big deal. But yearly checks can save you plenty of trouble in the future. Here are a few reasons to consider annual furnace maintenance.
1) Extend Furnace Lifespan
Even a newer, more efficient heating unit can’t do its job without proper maintenance. Changing the air filter is a maintenance task that homeowners can handle themselves. But more complex tasks like cleaning and inspecting internal parts of the furnace should be taken care of by a professional.
An investment in heating and air conditioning maintenance nearly always repays you with a system that operates more efficiently and works longer than your average furnace. Don’t neglect regular maintenance to get the most life out of your system.
2) Avoid Expensive Furnace Repairs
The better your furnace runs, the fewer issues you’ll face with its operation. Getting your unit serviced annually will reduce the number of furnace repairs you’ll need in the future.
Think of heating unit maintenance as a precautionary measure. You’re taking steps in the present to prevent your heater from not working when you need it. You’ll also avoid spending on pricey furnace repairs.
3) Protect Yourself and Your Family From Harm
A compromised heater is an inconvenience and safety hazard, and poorly maintained electrical wiring may become a fire risk. Oil and gas furnaces that aren’t serviced can also be fire risks.
Because oil and gas heaters use combustion to heat your home, they produce carbon monoxide, a severe health hazard that may result in harm or death. There are no warning signs when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning, so be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
4) Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon byproducts emitted by fossil fuels. A poorly working furnace uses more energy than necessary and requires more fuel.
If you perform furnace maintenance, you can reduce the carbon your home releases into the atmosphere. Less carbon usage will make your furnace more environmentally friendly.
Is Furnace Repair Worth the Effort and Cost?
If you discover something wrong with your furnace, you may wonder if repairing it is worth the money. Experts generally advise that it’s time to replace your furnace when it’s over 15 years old.
Replacing an older furnace allows you to swap the unit out with a newer, energy-efficient model. Newer furnaces go a long way toward lowering heating costs.
A unit younger than 15 years old is probably worth the effort of furnace repair, assuming that necessary maintenance costs less than the price tag on a new unit. Sometimes, there may be an issue of cost or immediate need. You may have to opt for the repair if you don’t have the funds to get a new furnace or need your heater immediately.
If circumstances allow for getting a replacement instead of repairing an old or heavily damaged furnace, opt for replacement. There aren’t many circumstances where keeping an old, damaged unit makes sense.
In Need of Furnace Maintainance?
To summarize, your furnace lifespan should be at least 15 to 30 years from installation. You may get four decades from the heating unit if you have yearly furnace maintenance, although there are no guarantees.
The make and model of your furnace matter regarding how long the unit lasts. Newer models are liable to last longer than older heating units. You also need to ensure the contractor installed the furnace correctly.
You won’t have to worry about improperly installed furnaces with Home Comfort USA. Our team performs professional furnace maintenance with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re looking to have your furnace serviced, contact us today!
