Furnace Replacement: How Long Will Your Furnace Last?

Signs it is time for a Furnace Replacement

Winter is ending and you just changed the air filter, something you practice at every change of season out of habit. You take a wistful look at the poor ole furnace, thankful it carried you through the gloom and cold. Perhaps for the first time, you wonder just how much longer your furnace will last. Let’s do a little Furnace Replacement research.

If you do a quick internet search, the first search page will suggest furnaces last between 15 and 30 years. That is quite a range! There must be further information, so press a little further. You will notice that most suggested lifespans come from people who manufacture, sell, or install furnaces. You should at least acknowledge they share information with a point of view. Government agencies and engineers also share information, and they also have a point of view. If you start with a range between 15 and 30 years, what makes some furnaces last longer than others? How can you extend the lifespan of ole Betsy? Can you anticipate a replacement range to let you prepare for that kind of purchase?

Factors Beyond Your Control

If you start with an existing furnace, there are some things that affect the length of service that you have no part in. That includes:

• The brand and make of your existing furnace. Your experience confirms this is true. Just like automobiles or household appliances, you understand some brands focus on performance and some focus on the economy.
• The type of furnace is also a factor; electric furnaces tend to last longer than gas furnaces. One of the byproducts of burning gas is, oddly enough, water vapor. Rust and corrosion impact the length of service.
• The local climate also impacts furnace serviceability. Furnaces in warmer regions last longer than in colder areas that require heat 5 or 6 months out of the year.
• Proper sizing and installation are also crucial factors for furnace longevity. The decisions made during the design of your system affect efficiency and service life.

While you might not be able to change any of these factors concerning your existing system, it is very good information to help when you need to replace your furnace.

Factors In Your Control

If you start with an existing furnace, there are some things that affect the length of service that are left in your hands. If you have not used these factors to your advantage, it is not too late to employ them.

• Hands down, the best thing you can do for furnace longevity is to change the air filter regularly. A dirty filter affects indoor air quality. A clogged filter creates stress on key components in your furnace. Every three months or one per season, or birthdays and anniversaries—whatever it takes, find something to remind you to change the filter.
• The next best thing you can do is to schedule an annual preventative maintenance visit with an HVAC professional. Small problems tend to cascade, so catching them early makes a big difference. If your system has never been serviced, it is never too late.
• Maintain the area around your outdoor condenser unit. Yes, it is often used even during the heating season, so keep leaves and tall grass at least two feet away.
• Program your thermostat to reduce the temperature setting overnight or during the day if the house is vacant. A drop of 8⁰ reduces the demand for heat and will also save money on the utility bill.

Honestly, the average useful years for a furnace is just a number and no one can predict exactly how much time you have left with ole Betsy. Hopefully, you are now armed with enough information to make some decisions concerning approximately how long your furnace has left.

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Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help with HVAC Maintenance and regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance. Contact us and get the answers you need.