Several Factors Determine a Furnace’s Lifespan
The lifespan of your furnace depends on a few different factors. While different types of furnaces have an average expected service life, furnace usage and maintenance have a great impact on the amount of life you actually receive from your equipment.
It’s important that you know how long furnaces last so you have the opportunity to prepare for replacement without being left in the cold. In addition to maintenance that helps your furnace live longer, know the signs that tell you replacement is on the horizon.
How Long Do Furnaces Typically Last?
The two most common types of furnaces found in Grand Rapids area homes are a gas furnace and electric furnace. A furnace’s longevity depends on the type of furnace you own.
- A gas furnace on average lasts between 15 and 20 years.
- An electric furnace lasts between 20 and 30 years.
Electric furnaces usually last longer than gas furnace models because their design is much simpler. No combustion takes place, and electric heating technology is pretty straightforward. Electric furnace installation in Grand Rapids is often cheaper to install than their gas counterparts, but their drawback is they can cost more to operate, which eliminates the savings.
Extending Furnace Life
If you want to extend the life of your furnace, the most important factor is maintenance. We discuss this factor so you can see how good practices extend the life of your furnace, while neglect is likely to cut years off the furnace’s service life.
Furnace maintenance is highly recommended on an annual basis. Professional maintenance works to improve furnace performance and efficiency by eliminating wear and tear as well as other normal use issues that build up over a heating season.
A well-maintained furnace uses less energy and is less likely to break down or sustain damage, which keeps it in service longer. Well-maintained furnaces often live well beyond their expected useful service life.
On the other hand, neglecting furnace maintenance is a good way to ensure early furnace replacement.
When to Replace a Furnace
It’s always better to replace your furnace before it breaks down for good. No one wants to be left without heat in the winter! How do you know when it’s time? Look for the following signs:
- Your furnace is at or beyond its expected average service life.
- Your heating bills are higher without a clear cause.
- Your home isn’t staying as warm and comfortable as it used to.
- Your furnace needs frequent and/or expensive repairs.
Furnace Installation from A-1 Mechanical
If you are approaching your furnace’s average service life, it is time to investigate your options for replacement. Our skilled heating technicians help you compare new furnaces and select the best choice for your household and budget. We perform skilled installation so your new furnace offers the performance and efficiency you expect.
Call A-1 Mechanical today to learn more about furnace installation and new heating equipment.