If you’ve had your furnace for some time now, you may be wondering how much longer you can expect it to last. This is a common question among homeowners, and it’s helpful to understand the average life expectancy of these units so that you can get a timely replacement without compromising your comfort or safety. In this blog, we’ll explore the factors that affect a furnace’s lifespan and how to prolong your system’s performance.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
Typically, you can expect a well-maintained furnace to last between 15 to 20 years. Of course, this is just an average, and some furnaces may last longer while others may need replacement sooner. For example, electric furnaces tend to have a slightly longer life expectancy compared to gas furnaces, 20 to 30 years versus 15 to 20 years. It’s also helpful to note that a variety of other factors (in addition to furnace type) affect a system’s lifespan. We’ll cover these factors next.
Factors That Affect a Furnace’s Lifespan
While the average furnace lifespan gives you a rough idea of when to expect a replacement, several factors can either extend or shorten how long your furnace lasts. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors:
Routine Maintenance
One of the most important factors in extending furnace lifespan is routine maintenance. A well-maintained electric or gas furnace can continue to run efficiently and safely for many years. Changing the air filter, cleaning the blower motor, inspecting the heat exchanger, and ensuring the flame sensor is working properly can prevent small issues from turning into major repairs. Make sure you schedule annual furnace maintenance with a certified technician to keep your system running smoothly and detect any signs of wear and tear.
Frequency of Use
A furnace that’s used frequently will naturally experience more wear and tear over time, which can affect how long it lasts. Homes in colder climates where the furnace runs constantly during the winter months may see their heating systems wear out faster compared to homes in milder climates.
Quality of Installation
You should always opt for a professional installation for important equipment like heating systems. After all, poorly installed units may face issues like gas leaks, airflow restrictions, and inefficient operation, all of which can shorten the lifespan of your system. Working with a licensed HVAC contractor ensures your furnace is installed correctly, optimizing its performance and extending its life expectancy.
Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can also impact how long your furnace lasts. Dust, dirt, and debris can clog your furnace filter and restrict airflow, making the system work harder to heat your home. Over time, this extra strain can cause components like the blower motor and heat exchanger to wear out more quickly. Make sure you keep your air ducts clean and change the filters regularly to keep your furnace in top shape.
Size of the Furnace
If your furnace is too large or too small for your home, it will struggle to operate efficiently. An oversized furnace will frequently turn on and off (short-cycling), while an undersized one will run continuously to keep up with heating demands. Both scenarios can reduce the furnace’s life expectancy. Make sure your furnace is appropriately sized for your home to avoid these issues.
Extending Your Furnace’s Lifespan
While all furnaces eventually need replacement, there are steps you can take to extend your furnace’s life and get the most out of your heating system:
- Schedule Annual Maintenance: Regular check-ups by a certified HVAC technician can catch potential issues early and keep your furnace running efficiently.
- Change Air Filters Regularly: Clean filters help maintain good airflow and prevent your furnace from overworking. This simple task can significantly impact your furnace’s longevity.
- Keep Vents Clear: Ensure all the vents in your home are unobstructed to allow for proper air circulation.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: This can help reduce strain on your furnace by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.
- Address Issues Promptly: Don’t ignore small problems or unusual noises. Addressing these quickly can prevent them from escalating into major repairs.
- Upgrade Insulation: Improving your home’s insulation can reduce the workload on your furnace, helping it last longer.
- Consider a Humidifier: Proper humidity levels can make your home feel warmer at lower temperatures, reducing strain on your heating system.
Signs It’s Time for a Replacement
As your furnace ages, it may start showing signs that it’s nearing the end of its useful life. Here are some indicators that it might be time to consider a new furnace:
- Rising Energy Bills: If you notice a steady increase in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage, it could be a sign that your furnace is becoming less efficient.
- Frequent Repairs: If you’re calling for furnace repairs more often, especially for major components like the heat exchanger or blower motor, it might be more cost-effective to invest in a new furnace.
- Uneven Heating: Cold spots in your home or sudden temperature changes could indicate that your furnace is struggling to distribute heat evenly.
- Strange Noises: Unusual sounds like banging, popping, or whistling coming from your furnace may signal serious issues.
- Yellow Flame: For gas furnaces, a yellow or flickering flame instead of a steady blue flame could indicate incomplete combustion and potentially dangerous carbon monoxide production.
- Visible Rust or Cracks: If you notice rust on your furnace or cracks in the heat exchanger, it’s time to call a professional immediately, as these can be serious safety hazards.
- Age: Finally, if your furnace is approaching or has surpassed the average furnace lifespan of 15-20 years, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement, even if it’s still functioning. Otherwise, you could be left out in the cold.
Enjoy the Greatest Furnace Life Expectancy With Help From SGI
While the average furnace lifespan is 15-20 years, proper care and maintenance can help extend your furnace’s performance and improve its efficiency. Turn to SGI Heating and Cooling for professional furnace maintenance and repairs. With our expertise, you can trust your home will stay warm and comfortable for years to come. And when the time comes, we can help you with a furnace replacement, making sure you receive an energy-efficient model that provides reliable heating and potential energy savings. Contact our team in Flint, MI, today to request an expert service!