Since you know how hard your furnace works to keep you cozy all winter, it’s no surprise that it won’t last forever. But you certainly don’t want furnace failure and the need for replacement to come as a sudden surprise. It can help to have a general idea of how long a furnace’s life can be. And while you definitely want to prolong that life and postpone replacing the furnace, you also don’t want to keep using a furnace that is a safety hazard, or one that has become so inefficient that it is costing you a lot more than it used to in energy usage.
How long can you expect your furnace to live, and how can you get the most out of it while avoiding excessive utility bills or safety risks? Here are some pointers.
How Long Do Electric Furnaces Last Compared With Gas Furnaces?
While a gas furnace can last fifteen years or so, electric furnaces can last more than twenty. This longevity helps to balance out the fact that electric furnaces are usually more expensive than gas-burning models.
How Furnace Make and Model Affect Lifespan
Chances are, you have a furnace with an ENERGY STAR rating, which means it is a high-quality piece of equipment. But if you have an old furnace, a second-hand furnace, or one that was in your home when you bought it, you might not know whether it was ENERGY STAR-rated or even how old it is. Some older furnaces simply weren’t made to the standards of today’s equipment.
How Professional Installation Affects Furnace Lifespan
Professionals who have spent years doing furnace installations are also the same people who are called in when furnaces need repair or replacement. These technicians have seen the results of improper amateur installation, and they know the pitfalls to avoid. Problems with installation are a major cause of furnace failure and shortened furnace life.
Regular Maintenance Can Extend Your Furnace’s Lifespan
A furnace might only live half its expected lifetime if it is never maintained. Not only will it need to be replaced much sooner, it will require more repairs while it is operational. It will also decrease in efficiency every year, costing you more in utility bills. With annual maintenance, your furnace is likely to last its full fifteen-to-twenty-year lifetime, possibly even longer, and it will continue to be safe and efficient.
Prompt Furnace Repairs Help Prevent Premature Replacement
If you are concerned that something might be wrong with your furnace, don’t force it to keep limping along while the problem continues to worsen. Get prompt furnace repair in Duluth, GA. Repairs are most effective, and generally less expensive, when they’re done as soon as a problem arises.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
If repairs and maintenance still leave your furnace frustratingly inefficient, if expensive repairs would be required but your furnace is well over a decade old, or if you notice corrosion on the furnace, it’s time to replace it. And remember, when you do get a new furnace, professional installation will set you up for a long lifetime of furnace success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long does a furnace typically last?
Answer: A well-maintained furnace can often last around 15 to 20 years, although lifespan varies by furnace type, equipment quality, installation, and maintenance. Electric furnaces may last longer than gas models. Regular professional service and timely repairs can help a furnace reach its expected lifespan while maintaining efficiency.
Question: Do electric furnaces last longer than gas furnaces?
Answer: Electric furnaces can generally last longer than gas furnaces because their operation differs and they typically have fewer combustion-related components. The article notes that gas furnaces may last around 15 years, while electric models can exceed 20 years. Proper installation and regular maintenance remain important for either furnace type.
Question: Can regular maintenance extend the life of a furnace?
Answer: Yes. Annual furnace maintenance can help prevent premature wear, improve efficiency, reduce the likelihood of repairs, and support a longer operating life. A furnace that receives little or no maintenance may fail much earlier than expected. Routine professional inspections also provide opportunities to identify developing problems before they become more serious.
Question: When should I replace my furnace instead of repairing it?
Answer: Replacement may make more sense when an older furnace remains inefficient despite maintenance, needs an expensive repair, or shows visible corrosion. Age alone does not always determine when replacement is necessary, but recurring problems and declining performance can indicate that investing in a new, professionally installed furnace is the better option.
Question: Does professional installation affect how long a furnace lasts?
Answer: Yes. Proper furnace installation can have a major impact on reliability and service life. Installation mistakes can contribute to operating problems, premature component wear, and early furnace failure. Having experienced HVAC professionals install the equipment helps ensure the system is set up correctly and gives it a better chance of reaching its expected lifespan.
Reach out to Wall Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for all your heating needs.