Is there a specific time frame a homeowner can expect a furnace to last? Answering that question requires looking at a few factors. Did the homeowner purchase a quality furnace? Was it installed recently? Has the furnace been used extensively?
Top furnace companies put effort into quality control and release heating systems that might last many years. However, you do need to take additional steps to ensure your furnace lasts as long as promised.
About how much time could the average homeowner expect to get out of a furnace?
Average Furnaces and Their Lifespans
A reasonable lifespan expectancy on a furnace is about 15 to 20 years. That does not mean the heater won’t break down before it reaches 15 years. Could a furnace last longer than 20 years? Yes; some furnaces might even last upwards of 30 years. Performance and efficiency may decline with age, but the model could last far longer than expected.
You should not feel concerned about your furnace breaking down unexpectedly at some point. If a service technician performs routine cleanings and inspections, you may receive helpful reports that reveal how much life to expect. The technician might even point out concerns that could take years off its life.
Is the furnace too small for your house? If so, then that furnace won’t live as long as it should. People who purchase a home not knowing the heater is undersized may never know until a technician points the fact out.
Integrated HVAC provides Edmond, Oklahoma City and Tulsa area residents with furnace installation, repair and maintenance. Call us for routine service inspections, as well.
Improving the Chances of a Longer Furnace Life
During extremely cold weather, your furnace might run extensively to maintain a decent temperature. A furnace that works hours on hours a day for several weeks might experience a decreased lifespan. You may consider keeping it set at a lower temperature. A temperature of 64° puts more effort into the heating system than 60° would. Even 62° could give the system a break.
Investing in a smart thermostat could help your system manage its workload. In addition, setting the thermostat at a lower temperature when no one is home saves energy. The temperature can be set to increase right before your family returns home.
Taking Care of the Furnace
Extensive maintenance might not be necessary to keep your furnace in good shape. Changing the filter regularly is recommended. Your furnace works much harder with a dirty filter.
An old filter could even lead to surprising disasters, such as a cracked heat exchanger. That part could crack if the unit overheats, a possible result from a dirty filter.
The system itself might require cleaning and a thorough cleaning could restore some efficiency. Dirt and dust, mold and pests can all negatively impact performance. Call Integrated HVAC to inspect and maintain your system. Ask about our maintenance agreements!
Keep an Eye on Potential Breakdown Issues
When a furnace reaches the end of its time, it may begin to malfunction. Ignoring those signs could lead to the system breaking down unexpectedly and at the worst time.
A furnace prone to short cycling, starting, stopping and starting again within a short period could indicate mechanical problems. If the system repeatedly breaks down and requires numerous service visits, you may soon need an upgrade. Don’t dismiss high heating bills, either. Higher bills might be a sign of inefficiency and potential mechanical problems.
Replacing the furnace before it breaks down for good could give you a chance to find the right-size unit as well as one made by a top manufacturer. Getting a jump on things seems better than dealing with an emergency.
Integrated HVAC has technicians ready to repair, install and maintain furnaces in Oklahoma. Integrated OK has been in business since 2012 and we provide electrical services. We are EPA certified, too. Call today for an estimate!