Buying a new furnace is a significant investment for your home. One of the most common questions about furnaces is how long consumers can expect it to last. This is an important consideration, particularly if you have an older furnace and are wondering if now is the time to replace it. Therefore, we will explore this topic a little further and provide a few hints to help you to keep your furnace running as long as possible.
The Average Lifespan:
Generally, a forced air furnace will last up 15 to 20 years. Electric models tend to last at the higher end of this range as they have fewer moving components and do not suffer the wear and tear caused by the reaction between the metal and combustion gases. This does not mean that gas furnaces will always have a shorter lifespan, as it is not usual to see a natural gas furnace make it to 18 years.
While it is possible to have your furnace past 20 years of use, once your furnace reaches 25 years, even if it appears to be working okay, it is a good idea to consider replacement. At this age, your furnace is at the end of its serviceable lifespan and is likely to be using far more energy than a younger model, prone to breakdown and a CO2 risk. Although there is a temptation to wait until your furnace dies before you replace it, this is often counterproductive, as your energy bills will be increasing due to the diminishing efficiency.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Furnace:
While the typical lifespan of a furnace could be up to 20 years, it is important not to be complacent about how you treat your furnace. Poor care can significantly reduce the potential lifespan of a furnace, which would mean that you would need to buy a new one years before strictly necessary. Conversely, proper care and maintenance can have a positive impact; prolonging the lifespan of the unit and keeping it running efficiently for as long as possible.
The most important step to extending the lifespan of a furnace is regular servicing. A professional technician will inspect the system and correct any issues before they can develop into a problem. This attention not only reduces the risk of a breakdown fault, but also ensures that the system is operating at peak efficiency, thereby reducing your energy bills. It is a good idea to have your furnace serviced at the end of summer, as it ensures that the system is in peak condition before the temperatures begin to drop and your system is placed under the strain of frequent use.
In addition to servicing, you should not neglect regular maintenance. Even minor issues such as replacing filters can have a massive impact on the wear and tear of your furnace. A blocked filter will allow particles of dirt and debris to gain access to the components of your furnace, causing damage. It will also decrease the quality of your indoor air quality. Most manufacturers recommend changing filters every three months, but during heavy use, it is a good idea to check your filters each month and replace them if needed.