Whether you’re in the market for a new furnace or have concerns about your existing unit, there is one question we hear often from Grand Rapids area homeowners – how long does a gas furnace last? A-1 Mechanical explains how long these furnaces typically last, what you can do to get the most life out of your gas furnace, and how to spot signs of impending system failure. For all of your home’s heating system needs, contact us today.
How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?
The service life of your furnace depends on different factors such as type, use, and care – no two furnaces or heating systems are exactly the same.
Residential gas furnaces typically last about 15 years. This estimate is just an average, though, as the life expectancy of a residential gas furnace depends most on the way you use it and how you take care of it, year after year.
Improving Gas Furnace Service Life
Getting the most years of service from your gas furnace starts at installation. Whether the system was sized appropriately for the space and installed correctly greatly affects its average lifespan. A furnace that is too big or too small for the home must work harder to keep the indoor living areas comfortable, either by running for longer periods or short cycling as heat is rapidly added to the space. Incorrectly sized furnaces experience faster wear and tear which causes breakdowns and takes the system out of service prematurely.
When installing a new furnace in your Grand Rapids home, work with a licensed heating professional who will properly determine the correct equipment size for your space. Consider hiring an HVAC contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians who are known to deliver superior installation services for new furnace equipment.
After your furnace is installed, you’ll need to have it regularly maintained to keep it running in optimal condition year after year. Here in Michigan, furnaces typically run most of the winter. If you like to keep your home’s temperature in the 70s, your furnace will run more often than if you kept the temperature in the high 60s. Heavy use speeds up wear and tear, and you may require furnace replacement sooner than if the system was not used as frequently. As you use your furnace each winter, consider lowering your thermostat to keep heating costs low and to help boost the unit’s average lifespan.
Lastly, the life expectancy of a gas furnace is most greatly impacted by the maintenance it receives over its years of service. Gas furnaces require professional maintenance tune ups each year to preserve system efficiency, counteract wear and tear, and prevent damage as best as possible. A neglected furnace will typically require replacement sooner than one that received its annual tune ups each year. Protect your investment by making regular maintenance a priority. A-1 Mechanical offers furnace maintenance plans to make this care as easy as possible!
Warning Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace
Sometimes it’s hard to know when you need furnace replacement. Watch out for these warning signs that indicate your furnace is on its last leg:
- If your gas furnace is between 15 to 20 years old, replacement could be needed at any time so it’s best to start preparing when your system reaches this age range.
- If your energy bills have steadily risen over the past few winters without a clear explanation, the declining efficiency of your furnace is likely to blame.
- If your furnace is having a hard time keeping your living areas supplied with ample heating, a new furnace may be the solution to your comfort problems.
- Furnaces usually see more breakdowns in their final two years of service – if you’ve been calling us more often for furnace repairs the last few winters, it’s likely time to replace your furnace.
Gas Furnace Services from A-1 Mechanical
A-1 Mechanical helps Grand Rapids area home and business owners care for their furnaces through regular maintenance so they can maximize the average life expectancy of their furnace. For furnace repairs or installation of a new gas furnace, contact us anytime to make an appointment with one of our heating and air conditioning technicians.