Everything You Need to Know About Your Furnace’s Lifespan
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
No one would be surprised you’re wishing your furnace would last forever. This appliance is crucial for keeping your Glendale Heights home warm and cozy when temperatures drop. Unfortunately, no furnace will last much longer than 20 to 30 years.
And, while that sounds like a long time, chances are the furnace in your house is already on the older side. If you don’t know how old your furnace is, check the model or serial number to find the date it was manufactured.
It is important to remember that the lifespan of your furnace depends on more than just this date. It can be drastically shortened if you do not maintain your furnace and overuse it.
Has your furnace reached the end of its lifespan, or does it just need a proper service? Summers PHC can help! Get a FREE service call with any paid repair. Take advantage of this limited-time offer!
Other Factors That Influence Furnace Lifespan
Gas furnaces can last 15 to 20 years, while electric furnaces can last up to 30 years if properly cared for.
No matter what type of furnace you have, it must be regularly inspected and tuned up to extend its lifespan. This is especially important if you run your furnace non-stop during winter.
If your current furnace is not installed properly, the unit’s lifespan can also be reduced.
If you notice signs that your furnace is struggling to heat your home, it may be time to replace it with a new model.
When to Replace the Furnace
Even if your furnace hasn’t yet reached its maximum lifespan, you may find it no longer keeping up with your heating needs. There are a few obvious and not-so-obvious signs to look out for.
- High energy bills. If your furnace works overtime to keep your house warm, it will show in your energy bills. This means your furnace is not as efficient as it once was. For most homeowners, this would warrant a replacement.
Uneven heating. Are some areas in your home a lot colder than others? This could mean your furnace cannot distribute heat evenly, indicating a decline in performance. If you have already called an HVAC technician more than once to try and fix this problem, it may be time to replace your furnace. Frequent repairs are only going to deplete your budget without solving the issue. In most instances, a replacement is more cost-effective. - Loud sounds. If your furnace makes rattling, whistling, or screeching sounds, there could be a problem with the internal components. Sometimes, these sounds come and go; sometimes, they are persistent. Either way, a replacement may be in order.
- Flickering pilot light. If you have a gas furnace, your pilot light should be a steady blue. If it flickers or becomes yellow, it could mean a poor air-fuel mixture or clogged air intake. A yellow light can also indicate a carbon monoxide leak, so you should turn off the furnace immediately. Contact an HVAC technician to help you identify and fix the problem. Sometimes, a flickering or yellow light might not be a fixable problem, so you would need to replace the furnace.
- Poor indoor air quality. If the air inside your home is not filtered properly, you may experience headaches, exacerbated asthma symptoms, or increased allergies. When your furnace no longer works efficiently, it cannot filter the air effectively. Replacing your furnace will provide better air filtration, which means cleaner indoor air.
Replacing Your Furnace in Glendale Heights
When you decide to replace your furnace, you should follow these steps:
- Decide on a furnace type. Most homeowners in Glendale Heights prefer gas furnaces. If you have no access to natural gas, an electric furnace is a viable second option. You can opt for propane or oil if you do not want an electric furnace. These are less common in the area but useful if you don’t have a gas line. You could also forego a furnace altogether and install a heat pump instead. Remember that heat pumps may not be as effective for extreme cold weather.
- Get a professional assessment. Do not buy a new heating system without consulting a professional HVAC technician. The technician can assess your home needs and recommend the best options for your lifestyle and budget.
- Select the right size furnace. It is important to get the right size furnace to heat your house evenly. A too-small furnace will struggle to keep your house warm, while a too-big unit will switch on and off too frequently. Your HVAC technician can help you decide on a size based on the current insulation level in your home and the overall square footage.
- Consider energy efficiency ratings. Look for a furnace with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. A modern furnace should have a 90% or higher rating, keeping your energy bills low.
- Schedule a professional installation. You need a proper installation to ensure your furnace lasts as long as possible. This means hiring a professional contractor to do the job.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Furnace
In addition to saving money on utility bills, you will experience improved home heat distribution when you upgrade your furnace.
A new furnace will also operate more quietly than your old one, which is always a welcome benefit.
Additionally, a high-efficiency furnace can become a real selling point if you want to put your house on the market. Most buyers do not want to replace a furnace if they don’t have to. If your house offers them a new furnace, they may put in a higher offer.
Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling Can Handle Your Furnace Requirements
If the furnace in your Glendale Heights home shows signs of failure, don’t wait for it to break down completely. Summers PHC can help with inspections, maintenance, or replacements, depending on your requirements.
Call 331-322-1021 to find out more, or book a service online. Don’t forget to check out our local specials.
