Factors for Furnace Lifespan | G&S Heating Cooling & Electrical | Kitchener ON

A furnace is a big investment, so it’s good to have an idea of furnace life expectancy. You want it to keep your home in Skagit County, WA nice and warm for as long as possible! Furnace lifespan is similar to the lifespan of the family pet in that there is no single, solid number. Instead, you can expect your typical furnace to last between 15 and 20 years. 

There are many factors that go into this range, such as furnace type. Electric furnaces tend to last slightly longer than their gas counterparts. There are other factors that will prolong the life of your furnace as well, such as regular maintenance. Below is a full list of factors that influence how long a furnace lasts, as well as signs it may be time for a replacement.

Factors for furnace lifespan:

• Installation: Having a top-of-the-line furnace is useless without proper installation. Poor installation can lead to poor performance. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional to make sure it’s installed correctly.
• Regular maintenance: Don’t skip maintenance! Yearly maintenance can keep your system running smoothly, and an experienced HVAC technician will be able to find problems before they turn into huge problems down the road.
• Extreme settings: The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 80°F. If you’re constantly cranking your furnace up to 80°F, you could be shortening its life (and making your home sweltering!).
• Make and model: Like many things in life, you get what you pay for. Don’t be tempted to go for a cheap unit to save a bit of money. You could end up paying for it in the long run.
• Sizing: It’s important to have a system that’s the correct size for your home. If the system is too small, it may be working hard to heat your home. This leads to a strain on your system, which can lead to a shorter life.
• Location: Most furnaces are placed in the garage, attic, or closet. No matter where it’s installed, it’s important that it has enough space and ventilation. If there’s inadequate airflow or too much moisture, it can damage the heat exchange, leading to shorter furnace life expectancy.

Signs it’s time for a replacement

• Uneven temperatures: If some rooms are hot but others are cold, it could mean your furnace is not doing its job. Ideally, your system will heat your home evenly.
• Spiking energy bills: Have you been shocked by your recent heating costs? A surge in your bill could mean your furnace is working very hard.
• Frequent repairs: It’s not unusual for your HVAC system to need a repair here and there. But if you find yourself frequently paying for expensive repairs, it might be time for a replacement.
• New noises: If your furnace is making strange or loud noises, it may be approaching the end of its life. Read more about furnace noises here: What Are these Noises Coming from my Furnace? If you’re unsure if the noise you’re hearing is a problem, an HVAC technician will be able to identify the noise.
• No heat: Your furnace is intended to produce heat, so if it’s blowing cold air, there’s an issue.
• Turning on and off: Your system should be able to maintain comfortable temperatures without turning on and off all the time. If your system turns on and off frequently, it’s a bad sign.
• Old age: Is your furnace already 15 years old? If that’s the case, it could be approaching the end of furnace life expectancy. You’ll want to pay extra attention and keep an eye out for signs.
• Strange odors: If you’re smelling gas all the time, that’s not normal. There could be a gas leak, which is very serious. Make sure to contact us right away if you suspect a leak.
• Shutdowns: If your furnace keeps shutting off for no apparent reason, the end is nigh.

We can help with furnace replacement

If some of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to replace your furnace. While the initial investment can be costly, it will pay off in the long run, especially if you’re already spending a bunch of money on expensive repairs for an old furnace. Plus, the last thing you want to do is wake up on a chilly winter day in Skagit County, WA only to discover your furnace is completely broken.

GS Heating Cooling & Electrical has ample experience in furnace replacement. We have the expertise to ensure your new furnace is properly installed so that it heats your home for many years to come. And if it’s not quite time for a replacement, make sure to schedule yearly maintenance to help keep your system in great shape. Contact us today at (425) 341-4689 or fill out our form by clicking here.