Since a furnace performs a vital duty inside a home, it must perform reliably whenever you adjust the thermostat. Taking the extra initiative to perform routine maintenance can help, but there comes a time when the furnace will reach its end days. Like so many other things built with complex parts, a furnace cannot avoid suffering from wear and tear. Age is not always kind to a furnace. Older models may display mechanical and other malfunctions, indicating it won’t last much longer.
Pinpointing a specific time when a furnace becomes inoperable is not necessarily easy. However, you can look at reference material to determine a general idea about how long a furnace will last. The owner’s manual may provide insights into how long a furnace should last, as might an inquiry to the manufacturer.
Be aware that a furnace’s lifespan depends on how well the owner cared for it and other factors. Routine care could make a furnace last many years.
The Average Lifespan of a Furnace
Not all furnaces are created equal, as they come in various sizes and are manufactured by different companies. Typically, newer furnaces are equipped with more advanced features and are likely to have a longer lifespan compared to older models.
While most furnaces in residential and commercial settings are gas-powered, electric furnaces remain popular in regions with milder climates. The lifespans of these two types of furnaces can differ. With proper maintenance, a gas-powered furnace could last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
An electric furnace could last 20 to 30 years, which shouldn’t be surprising since it doesn’t require combustion to heat air. Combustible gas inside a gas-powered furnace may corrode parts, reducing the lifespan. Electric furnaces also require fewer parts to operate. Wear and tear occurs, but it happens to fewer components, allowing an electric furnace to last longer. Also, fewer parts means less necessary maintenance, which can save on costs.
Energy efficiency is a key factor in modern furnace designs. Newer models often feature high-efficiency components that can enhance both performance and longevity.
Notes About Aging Furnaces
Keeping a home within a specific budget is many people’s priority. While some homeowners might delay replacing their HVAC system if it is still functioning, it is crucial to heed the insights of professional technicians when it comes to potential malfunctions.
For instance, a furnace that fails to adequately heat the home to the set thermostat level should not be overlooked as a minor issue. If the furnace is cycling on and off frequently or experiencing repeated breakdowns, it may be a sign that a replacement is necessary. While frequent repairs can temporarily fix the issue, a pattern of constant malfunctions may indicate that the furnace is no longer dependable and should be upgraded.
Heating bills that are higher than expected could also be a sign of inefficiency, potentially caused by aging furnace components. An older furnace may struggle to operate as effectively and efficiently as a new model from a reputable manufacturer.
Another concern with aging furnaces is the risk of unexpected breakdowns. This is especially problematic during the colder months when temperatures drop to critically low levels and a malfunctioning furnace can lead to stressful situations.
Instead of enduring the increased costs and inconveniences associated with an old furnace, it may be more prudent to replace it with a newer, more reliable model. As furnaces age, the likelihood of gaining a few more years of service from them diminishes, making replacement a more sensible long-term solution.
Booking Scheduled Service
Routine maintenance is key to ensuring that a furnace lasts as long as possible while operating safely and efficiently. Homeowners are encouraged to consider signing up for a maintenance plan with a reliable HVAC service provider. This allows technicians to schedule regular maintenance appointments in advance so you can keep your furnace in good working condition for years to come.
When the technician performs the necessary cleaning and other duties, recommendations about future service may follow. Sometimes, the technician may notice a severe issue requiring immediate attention, and fixing the problem could keep wear and tear and safety issues from worsening.
If you live in the San Antonio area, Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating wants to assist you with heating repair and maintenance. We also perform installation work and can assist when you wish to buy a new furnace.
Avoid Overworking the Furnace
A furnace shares something with an automobile: the lifespan will decrease with extensive use. While running a furnace all day and night during the cold winter months could be tempting, cranking the temperature to your highest preference level could make the system overwork. Keeping the temperature at a comfortable but lower level will give the furnace’s various components a much-needed break. The furnace could last a lot longer as a result.
Keeping the temperature low while you are at work or otherwise away from the house could be advisable. That doesn’t mean you need to turn the heat off, but the temperature might not need to be cranked up. Installing a smart thermostat helps with temperature regulation since you can adjust the setting manually from a smartphone or program it to maintain specific temperatures at set intervals.
The Filter and Keeping the Unit Clean
While professional heating maintenance is required annually, there are also tasks you can do to extend a furnace’s life. One simple but significant task is replacing the furnace filter regularly. The filter plays a crucial role by capturing dirt, dander, and debris, thus preventing impurities from entering the system. However, the filter can only capture a certain amount of residue before it becomes clogged.
When this happens, the system has to work harder and may even overheat, leading to potential damage. To maximize the lifespan of the furnace and reduce energy bills, it’s important to change the filter as needed, typically every 30-90 days. This simple maintenance task can significantly extend the lifespan of the furnace and keep it operating efficiently for many years.
It’s also important to note that the filter cannot keep all impurities out of the furnace. Debris and dirt will still collect inside the unit over time, and problems could result. Even if the troubles are minor, they will do their part to lower the unit’s lifespan. Having the furnace professionally cleaned will provide a preventive solution.
Book Repair Services Without Delays
When a furnace malfunctions or otherwise displays mechanical problems, it is not worth delaying calling a technician to inspect and repair the system. The longer the unit works with defective parts or other issues, the greater the chances are it will suffer excessive wear and tear.
Shopping for a Long-Lasting Furnace
Researching consumer experiences with a particular make and furnace model could help you pick one that lasts the longest. Quality will vary among manufacturers and their furnaces, and consumer research can go a long way toward purchasing a new furnace that may put any concerns about extensive repairs or unexpected breakdowns to rest, at least for the foreseeable future.
Get Help From the Local HVAC Experts
At Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve been in business since 1985 and offer a full range of services for heating systems and air conditioners. If you want indoor air quality services, air sealing, or smart thermostats, we can help. We also offer HVAC installation financing on approved credit and will help you find the perfect unit for your needs and budget. Contact our local office to set up a home visit.
