While furnaces may seem like they last forever, it’s important to remember that they will eventually give out. Knowing about this will be beneficial to any homeowner as it allows you to prepare for any furnace complications. This is why we thought it would be useful to put together an article about this topic. If this is something that you want to learn more about, read on as we break down everything you need to know about how long furnaces actually last.
How Long Do Furnaces Last?
While this seems like a straightforward question, there are a slew of different things you have to consider. The main thing you have to keep in mind when it comes to the lifespan of your furnace is how well-maintained the furnace is. A well-maintained furnace, if maintained properly, can last at least 15 to 20 years. If a homeowner keeps up with the annual maintenance and repairs it promptly when needed, the furnace can last even longer. When your furnace is about 15 years old, you should prepare for the day that you need to replace it.
What Factors Shorten the Lifespan of Your Furnace?
You also want to be aware of the factors that shorten the lifespan of your furnace. To help simplify things, here are the most common factors that shorten the overall lifespan of furnaces:
- There are several types of furnaces; some are better than others, or there wouldn’t be competition between brands. Be sure to be meticulous when selecting a furnace to ensure that you get the best possible one for your home.
- The age of your unit plays an important role in determining the lifespan of your furnace. While this might seem like a given, it bears repeating. Older units, especially gravity furnaces (the kind that hangs on your wall), were built to last and can often reach the estimated upper limit. Not to be outdone, newer furnace models are usually more efficient and can also last pretty long when properly maintained.
- Many of you may not know this but the location of your furnace directly affects how long it will last. Be sure to check for proper clearance and ventilation for the unit. If there is too much moisture or not enough airflow, damage to the heat exchanger will occur, and the lifespan of your unit will be reduced.
Should You Replace Your Furnace?
Only you can decide whether it is worth it to replace your furnace. Just make sure to consider a few things before you do. Each year that goes by, your unit loses a little of its efficiency. While it may seem costly to replace your furnace, the money you’ll save on your energy bill may offset these costs. It’s important to look at the entire situation when making these types of decisions so it’s best to be as thorough as you can be.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you maximize your furnace. If you find that it is time to replace it, be sure to work with professionals that can advise you on the best furnace choices possible. For those of you who are sticking with their furnaces, be sure to invest in proper maintenance to extend your furnace’s lifespan.
If you are looking to improve the lifespan of your furnace, Mainline Heating & Air has got you covered. Our high-quality products include air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, air handlers, package units, home generators, tankless hot water heaters, UV lights, humidifiers, filtering systems, and dehumidifiers. For more information, check out the rest of our website!
