How Long Do Furnaces Last?

The average furnace, if well-maintained, can last 15 to 20 years. However, this is not an expiration date. A 15-year-old furnace may be running fine, but it’s wise to start shopping around to get familiar with the types of equipment available. Learning about energy-efficient options, how efficiency is calculated (such as the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating), and pricing/operating costs can help you plan ahead.

Average lifespan also depends on the type of furnace. Gas furnaces last only about 15 years on average. Electric furnaces tend to last longer. But it’s not unheard of for a furnace to last 30 years or more.

How Do I Get More Life Out of My Furnace?

The question, “How long do furnaces last?” is open ended when you consider the choices you can make that might extend longevity. The most important step is to have your furnace regularly maintained. Your furnace should be checked by a professional at least once a year. An inspection should include checking the gas valve, fan, heat exchanger, thermocouple, and other major parts. The pilot and burner should be cleaned and electrical and gas connections tightened. A technician will also lubricate moving parts and test the system to see how it is operating.

Other ways to extend a furnace’s lifespan include:

• Changing the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Insulating and sealing your home to reduce system strain.
• Cleaning and sealing ductwork.

Setting your thermostat up or down a few degrees can help as well. By reducing the load on your furnace, it may work less hard, so that vital components undergo less strain. You can therefore slow down wear and tear and perhaps extend the amount of time between repair and replacement jobs.

Is It Time to Replace My Furnace?

It can be hard to know how long your furnace will last. But there are signs that it may be on its last leg. Poor installation, a lack of maintenance, and improper sizing can reduce operating life significantly. Nonetheless, ignoring the following signs can mean spending more time and money trying to fix an old furnace or repairing the damage running a faulty one can cause. Here are a few reasons to consider furnace replacement:

• Noise: Popping, rattling, screeching, clicking, booming, or loud humming are red flags that your furnace needs major repairs or replacement.

• Temperature Fluctuations: If the temperature suddenly changes as you move from room to room, the furnace may not be distributing heat properly.

• High Costs: Replace any furnace that costs more than half the price of a new model to repair. If your energy costs are high, you may be dealing with an efficiency problem.

• Soot: Soot on the furnace register, as well as dust around your home, can mean too much carbon dioxide is being produced.

• Dry Air: Abnormally low humidity in your home can damage wood furniture and flooring, kill house plants, and affect your skin and respiratory health.

• Yellow Flames: The burners should produce blue flames. Otherwise, there may be a gas leak, combustion problem, or release of carbon monoxide.

Schedule Heating System Repair or Installation with Nexgen

At Nexgen, we specialize in residential heating systems. Our technicians are fully licensed and insured and will evaluate your system for free. We also offer deals, discounts, and maintenance programs to help you save, while our equipment is fully warrantied. To schedule heat pump or furnace installation, repair, or replacement, book your service appointment online or call 833-729-9735 today.