A new heating system is a big investment for any Grand Rapids area homeowner. You can maximize the value of your gas furnace when you keep it in service for the average lifespan or longer. In our most recent blog, the technicians at A-1 Mechanical share how long you should expect your gas furnace to last and what to do to gain more years of service from it.
What Is the Average Gas Furnace Lifespan?
The average life expectancy of a gas furnace is between 15 and 20 years. With proper care throughout the years, it may be possible to gain even more years of service from your heating system. Once your furnace approaches 15 years of age, it’s wise to start evaluating your options for replacement. It’s to your benefit to replace the old system before it breaks down completely, leaving your household without heat.
What Factors Affect a Furnace’s Average Lifespan?
When it comes to a gas furnace’s lifespan, there is no exact expiration date for your equipment. The average life expectancy is helpful when estimating when furnace replacement is needed, but other factors also affect how many years a piece of equipment may run.
When the Furnace Was Manufactured
In general, newer furnaces last longer than older models. As the industry has evolved, new technologies have been incorporated into furnaces, which help protect components and improve efficiency for longer-lasting heating systems. A furnace that is fairly new will most likely serve a family for more years than one that was built 10 or more years ago. If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old, it might be time to replace.
Old furnaces can offer annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings as low as 56%, meaning they waste 44% of the energy they use. The minimum standard AFUE for new furnaces today is 78 percent. A high-efficiency unit has a rating between 90 and 97 percent, meaning it loses 10% or less of the energy it uses.
Quality Furnace Installation
When you have a new furnace installed, the quality of installation affects the equipment’s longevity, as well as factors including energy consumption and indoor comfort levels. Poor installation reduces the furnace’s efficiency, which causes the system to overwork to do its job. Also, parts sustain more wear and break down sooner, on top of higher energy bills. Always work with a qualified, licensed heating and cooling contractor when purchasing a new furnace for your home to ensure the equipment is installed correctly, protecting your comfort and your investment.
Quality of Furnace Maintenance
Regular maintenance plays a huge part in the longevity of a furnace! When homeowners follow the recommended maintenance schedule for their furnace, its lifespan can be maximized. With annual furnace tune ups, the furnace is less likely to break down or offer subpar operation, which causes components to wear out and malfunction at a faster rate.
In addition to annual maintenance, homeowners should change furnace filters regularly throughout the years to avoid causing strain as the furnace operates. Dirty filters restrict air movement through the heating system, causing overheating, excessive energy consumption, and more wear and tear to components.
How Often the Furnace Is Used
Unfortunately, homeowners in the Lansing, Michigan, area don’t often have the luxury of foregoing heating system use during the winter months. Here in the northern part of the country, furnaces and heating systems operate nearly around the clock during the cold season – unlike in the South, where homeowners may only have to use their heating systems sparingly. Compared to furnaces in the South, homeowners in the North can typically expect a shorter gas furnace lifespan.
A-1 Mechanical Helps Your Furnace Last Longer!
A-1 Mechanical helps Lansing and Grand Rapids area homeowners make the most out of their heating units with professional maintenance services, quality installation, and quick repairs. A-1 Mechanical will help you get more years of warmth in the home from your original investment. If it’s time to repair, maintenance or replace your furnace, call A-1 Mechanical today.