How long should a furnace last?

The lifespan of your residential furnace depends on a variety of factors. On average, a gas furnace will last about 15 to 30 years. Electric furnaces typically last 20-30 years. While there have been cases of furnaces lasting longer than this, it’s rare. Still, as long as you’re properly caring for your furnace, it should last at least 15 years.

What affects a furnace’s lifespan?

While a gas furnace is expected to last 15 to 30 years on average, many factors affect how long your unit will actually last.

Furnace make and model: The type of furnace in your home will affect its lifespan, with the minimum life expectancy of electric furnaces being just a few years longer than that of gas furnaces. The make and model of your unit will also affect its lifespan, as some brands offer higher-quality furnaces than others. Additionally, the age of your furnace will affect how long it lasts: a new model typically has a longer lifespan than an older model.

Installation: Proper installation also affects how long your furnace will last. A furnace that is not installed correctly may not work as efficiently as one that was properly installed, and it may not sufficiently distribute the air. An improperly installed furnace may also break down more easily, resulting in a shorter life. It’s also important to make sure your unit has proper ventilation in order to prevent moisture from building up and causing your unit to rust.

Use: How often you use your furnace also affects the heating system’s lifespan. A furnace that is frequently used may start showing signs of wear and tear sooner than a furnace that’s not used as often.

Maintenance: Ensuring your furnace receives regular maintenance is another way to keep it in quality condition for as long as possible. As a general rule of thumb, your heating system should receive service once per year prior to the start of winter. Hiring an HVAC specialist like Legacy Heating & Cooling is a great way to ensure your heating system is working properly and ready for chilly winter weather.

Furnace maintenance tips

Taking proper care of your residential gas furnace can help extend its lifespan. For example, it’s important to clean your HVAC system on a regular basis. Make sure the floor registers are free of debris, which can cause big problems for the health of your system. The heating system’s air filters catch debris, dust, and germs and help ensure clean air is circulating your home, so it’s important to replace them every few months. If your furnace is making unusual noises, be sure to investigate or have an HVAC professional take a look. Strange noises could mean there’s a problem, such as an improperly functioning blower motor. Additionally, make sure the air vents in your home are open and air can circulate throughout the system.

Be sure to have a heating and cooling specialist perform maintenance work at least once per year. The experts at Legacy Heating & Cooling specialize in the installation, upkeep, and repair of HVAC systems. Our maintenance package includes a full inspection of the customer’s HVAC system, debris cleanup, air filter changes, and much more in order to ensure your system is ready to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Signs there are issues with your furnace

How do you know when your furnace needs maintenance or to be replaced with a new model? There are several signs to look for in order to determine if there are issues with your furnace.

High energy bills: Rising energy bills can be a sign that your heating system isn’t working as efficiently as it should be. This could be due to specific parts wearing out as your heating system ages or some other HVAC issue.

Loud noises: Loud, unusual noises coming from your furnace may be a sign that something isn’t functioning properly. If you hear popping, rattling, loud bangs, or the sound of metal scraping, it may be time to replace your furnace.

Funny smells: If the air from your furnace smells odd, it could be cause for concern. For example, the scent of rotten eggs may mean there’s a gas leak somewhere in your home, potentially from your furnace. The scent of something burning could mean that parts of your furnace are overheating.

Cold spots: Spots of cold air can be caused by your furnace’s inability to evenly distribute hot air throughout your home. If this is the case, your furnace may be in need of maintenance.

When to buy a new furnace

When you notice signs that your gas furnace isn’t functioning properly, it’s time to take action. While an HVAC expert can inspect your furnace and decide if it can be fixed or if you’re better off getting a new one, here are a couple of points to consider when deciding whether or not to replace your furnace.

When to repair a furnace

If your furnace is less than 15 years old, you will likely just need to repair your furnace instead of buying a new one.

When to replace a furnace

If your furnace is more than 15 years old and the cost to repair it is more than half the cost to replace it, buying a new furnace is typically the best option.

About Legacy Heating & Cooling

Legacy Heating & Cooling specializes in furnace repair, AC repair, HVAC maintenance, and unit installation to help keep you comfortable in your home year-round. Our factory-trained team is dedicated to high-quality work and customer satisfaction – we’ll always treat you like family.

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