How Long Does a Furnace Last
The lifespan of furnaces varies by make and model, but most are designed to last at least 15 years. If you have an old heating system, replace it. It will save money in the long run. Some signs that your furnace may need replacing include rusting or corroding outside the unit, high utility bills, or systems that are not operating properly.
Before buying a new furnace, check the age of your house. If it is older than 20 years, homeowners will probably need to replace their aging heating systems sooner than later. Other signs of an ineffective furnace include loud noises, rattling sounds, and blasting hot air instead of more evenly distributing heat throughout the house.
If you are still unsure whether your heating system is working properly, enlist the help of a professional. If the problems continue, you may need to replace your furnace.
How To Tell If Your Furnace Is Too Old?
A professional can replace your old furnace and install an efficient new one that fits in seamlessly with your budget and energy requirements. Homeowners should have their air conditioning and heating systems inspected at least once every year. A professional can determine if a unit is still working properly or if it is time to replace the furnace.
If your current furnace requires costly repairs regularly, you may need to replace it with a newer model that uses less energy.
When buying a new heating system, consider the following:
- Energy Star ratings - Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of at least 90%
- A higher AFUE rating uses less energy and saves homeowners money on their heating bills.
Be wary of advertised AFUE ratings that claim closer to 100%, as they may be unrealistic.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Heating System?
The average lifespan of a heating system is between 15 and 20 years. With proper care, systems should last longer. However, homeowners who neglect their furnace may end up paying more to maintain or replace it earlier than expected. If your current unit is 10 years old or older, now might be the time to invest in a new heating system.
Can My Old Furnace Be Fixed?
Many old heating systems can still be made to work, but this is far more expensive than simply replacing the unit with a new one. Repair costs may equal close to what it would cost to buy a new furnace. If you do not spend the money on repairing your old heating system, you might as well replace it.
Why It's Better To Replace Your Old Furnace?
Modern furnaces are much more efficient than the models available a few years ago. They use less fuel to heat your house and distribute heat more evenly throughout your living space. A new furnace may cost several thousand dollars, but this investment will pay off in the long run. Gas, oil, and electric furnaces are all widely available.
If you make a few upgrades to your home, these changes may reduce the size of your heating system. Installing thicker insulation can help keep heat inside during winter months while also keeping cool air inside during warm weather. Double-paned windows can improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Do not wait to replace an old furnace if you notice problems with it. Even when working properly, older furnaces are less efficient than newer models. They do not distribute heat as evenly and tend to use more fuel than necessary to provide adequate heat to all areas of your house. Property owners should have their heating systems inspected every year to ensure they are working properly.