Whether you have a gas or electric furnace will impact how long you can expect it to last. With proper care, a gas furnace will typically last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. If you have an electric furnace, it may last several years longer (20 to 30 years) because it has fewer components. This guide walks you through the most important factors that affect your furnace’s lifespan as well as tips for maximizing its performance and longevity.
Installation Quality
You should always have any heating system installed by a professional to make sure the setup is accurately sized for your home. Hiring professionals has a large impact on its total lifespan. A professional installation also ensures all work is performed according to the strictest safety protocols. Additionally, a professional installation is important because it affects the warranty coverage. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong with the system only to find out the repair isn’t covered because you voided the warranty by not having the equipment installed by a licensed professional.
How Often You Schedule Maintenance
Experts agree that furnaces that receive regular maintenance by a professional tend to last longer than those that go without. When a technician comes to your home for furnace maintenance, they will inspect the whole heating system, including the ductwork. If there are holes or tears in the air ducts, these will need to be fixed to prevent the furnace from working harder to make up for the heat loss. By spotting and fixing problems in their earliest stages, it’s easier to keep the furnace running at peak efficiency all winter.
Replacing the Air Filter
Just like your air conditioner, your furnace has an air filter that you need to replace on a regular basis. For most homes, this entails replacing the filter once every 30 to 90 days. If you have indoor pets that shed, you’ll want to stick closer to the 30-day mark. Furnaces that run with clogged filters experience airflow problems that can significantly shorten their lifespan.
Your Local Weather Conditions
If you live in an area where the temperatures tend to stay below freezing for most of winter, your furnace will run harder and more frequently to keep the home warm. As a result, the parts will wear out faster. One of the easiest ways to help the unit run more efficiently and last longer is to make sure you seal all air leaks around the doors and windows in the home. This way, all of the heat will stay inside where it belongs, regardless of the temperature outside.
You can’t just have a new furnace installed and expect it to last 20 years or longer if you don’t take time to take care of it. Most furnaces need annual maintenance from a professional at least once a year. During the tune-up, feel free to ask your technician for additional tips that can help the equipment run smoothly and extend its overall lifespan. When you need furnace services in Reisterstown, MD, contact Cool Breeze Heating and Cooling.
