Do you know how long you can expect your furnace to last? With an expensive item like a furnace, you want to try and extend its lifespan as long as possible. Gas furnaces are mostly used in the coldest parts of the country, and their average lifespan is from 15 to 30 years if you do yearly maintenance.
If you are not sure, look for an expert in General Air Conditioning and Plumbing – furnace installation in Coachella Valley to determine when you should start planning to replace your unit.
Factors That Will Determine How Long Your Furnace Will Last
Different factors can affect the life expectancy of your furnace:
- Newer furnaces have longer lifespans than older ones.
- Your furnace will last longer and will be more efficient if you have full maintenance done every year by an HVAC company. Yearly tune-ups will help the mechanical pieces of the system work more efficiently.
- If you are in a colder climate and you use the system more often, it will wear down more quickly, so regular maintenance is even more important.
- The furnace will last longer if it’s properly installed. The furnace will be less efficient and there is the danger of premature breakdowns if it’s improperly installed.
- Be sure to control the level of humidity in your home, as too much moisture can damage the heat exchanger and cause heater components to rust.
- Make sure that you change your filters monthly during the winter, as a dirty filter will obstruct airflow, which can cause overheating and damage to the heat exchanger.
Signs That Your Furnace Need Attention
The following are signs that you need to get a technician to look at your furnace, and that it may need to be replaced soon.
- If you’ve moved into a new house, you need to determine how close the furnace is to the end of its lifespan. If it has a pilot light, it could be up to 25 years old. In this case, you should be prepared for issues, and understand that you might have to replace the furnace soon.
- If your gas and electric bill is climbing for no obvious reason, it could be that your furnace is not functioning correctly.
- If your gas furnace is breaking down often, and you have been paying an increasing amount for furnace repairs over the last few years, it’s probably a good indication that you’ll have to replace it soon. It will cost you more to keep on repairing the furnace, as it becomes more expensive and difficult to find parts as the furnace gets older.
- The furnace’s thermostat can be set to get the room to a certain temperature. If your rooms are taking longer to heat up, and the rooms seem to have different temperatures, the thermostat may need to be repaired or replaced.
- If your furnace is making strange noises, it’s also a good idea to get someone to take a look at it.
- The following are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, nausea, burning nose or eyes, dizziness or disorientation. This is an emergency situation, and you need to get out of the house and call a technician immediately. If it’s a large leak, it could be fatal to you and your family. Always have carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home if you have any gas appliances in your home.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Furnace
The best way to extend the lifespan of your furnace is through regular maintenance and yearly service.
With a maintenance call, the technician will check if the air filter needs to be changed or cleaned. They will also look at the motors, filters, and heat exchanger, to make sure each component is free from debris. A furnace technician will ensure all the parts are functioning properly, and that anything corroded or worn down gets replaced before it causes a problem.
If you’re going to replace your furnace, consider getting a heat pump instead of an air conditioner with your new furnace, as this will create a dual-fuel system, which will lessen the workload of the furnace.
Final Thoughts
Your furnace will survive longer if it’s well maintained, but after a period of time, it will be necessary to replace it. If your furnace doesn’t function more smoothly after being repaired, it’s time to consider getting a newer model.