Most gas furnaces can easily last over 15 years. If you take care of your furnace and schedule maintenance annually, you would be able to extend it to 30 years in some cases. But this is not an exact number because the lifespan depends on the brand, usage, installation, and maintenance of the furnace. Keep in touch with furnace repair services who can recommend repairs or replacement on time.
Factors That Directly Impact The Age Of Your Furnace
Make And Model Of The Furnace
Different brands offer different qualities. Same is with models of furnaces. A basic model may have less efficiency and may work for less years than a premium model with high quality metal and more features.
Installation
Many people ignore installation of a furnace as something that impacts the age of their furnace and get it done by any contractor. This results in improper installation and reduced lifespan of the furnace. Energy Star concluded that about half of the new HVAC systems are installed improperly. This means only reputed services should be selected for installation.
Maintenance
Manufacturers recommend fall furnace maintenance every year to keep it working at its optimum for the proceeding winter season. When it’s properly maintained and repairs are done before they become serious, you’ll see your furnace keep performing well for years to come.
Usage
The temperature settings, if used wisely, can help extend the life of your furnace. If you keep cooler settings during winter, the furnace will work better for more years compared to using it regularly with warmer settings. Moreover, using set temperatures also helps in easing up stress on the furnace.
Size
Selection of the right-sized furnace is imperative to keep it for an extended amount of time. If a furnace is smaller for the house, it will be overworking most of the time. This means more stress on the furnace. Because of this, the furnace will break down more often and will need replacement sooner than expected.
Moisture Levels
A house with higher moisture levels will cause the heating system to rust and sustain damage prematurely. Control the humidity levels in your home to protect your furnace from rust.
Signs You Should Consider A Furnace Replacement
If you don’t want your furnace to break down unexpectedly in the middle of a winter night, keep an eye on the signs and symptoms to replace your furnace.
Your Furnace Is Older Than 15 Years
If the age of your furnace is over 15 years, you should keep it well-maintained and have it inspected before every winter season. Some homeowners replace a gas furnace with an electric furnace when there is a big repair needed. Electric furnaces have a longer lifespan of 20-30 years, but they cost more money to operate than gas furnaces. Perhaps this is why many homeowners prefer gas furnaces as they also heat a home faster than their electric counterparts.
Varied Temperature In Different Parts Of The House
If all the rooms of your home are not heating equally, the furnace is not performing well. If you had the vents checked and they are okay, consider furnace replacement.
Furnace Is Making Loud Noises
If you’re hearing strange noises coming from the gas furnace, it needs repair or replacement. The decision should be made after getting it inspected by a furnace technician. These are some alarming furnace noises:
Popping Noise
When the furnace itself is experiencing fluctuations in temperature, it will make popping sounds. This is because some parts of the furnace are getting affected by this problem and producing this noise.
Rattling Noise
In most cases, loose ducts or components of the furnace make rattling noises.
Booming Noise
A booming noise could be due to a gas leakage in the furnace. If you’re smelling a gas odor with a booming noise near the furnace, hire a heating expert immediately to fix the issue or replace the furnace as soon as possible.
Screeching Noise
When the furnace blower motor is damaged, you’ll hear a screeching noise. If you have an old furnace and hear screeching sound, you should also check the belt.
Conclusion
That’s it. Now you know how long a gas furnace lasts, when you should get it repaired by HVAC companies Arlington, and when it’s time for a replacement.
