Gas furnaces are highly regarded for their efficiency, dependability, and comfort. However, if you have an older furnace or don’t know your system’s exact age, you may start to worry about how much longer your furnace will last.
So, what is the average life expectancy of a gas furnace? On average, these reliable heating systems can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Of course, how long a gas furnace lasts does depend on a few important factors. Below, we’ll discuss three key factors in detail and the steps you can take to lengthen your furnace’s lifespan.
Proper Maintenance Services
Now that you know what the average life expectancy of a gas furnace is, there are ways you can care for your furnace to ensure its longevity—such as by scheduling tune-ups.
Regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting and efficient gas furnace. Just like your air conditioning system, your home’s heater requires a tune-up (scheduled at least once yearly) to ensure that the system is running smoothly. During a maintenance service, a professional furnace technician will inspect the unit, perform a series of tests, and perform repairs if necessary. The technician may inspect the heat exchanger, change the air filter, and more.
Additionally, you should perform DIY maintenance once a month. Follow these tips:
When your furnace is in peak condition and working efficiently, you can potentially save money on your energy bills. If you forget to schedule maintenance, however, your furnace could end up having to work harder to meet your heating needs. As a result, you may find yourself scheduling costly furnace repairs or replacing your system prematurely due to failure.
Where You Live
How long does a gas furnace last? To fully answer this question, you’ll need to consider your region’s climate. If you live in a region where temperatures plummet during the winter months, then you know how crucial a furnace is to your everyday comfort. However, the more you rely on your furnace, the more wear and tear the system will experience.
How often you use your furnace can directly affect your furnace’s lifespan. For instance, if you live in a colder climate, you will most likely end up replacing your furnace sooner than someone who lives in a warmer climate and only needs to use their furnace occasionally. For us in the sunny South, you can expect to reach closer to the 15-year mark.
The Furnace’s Installation
While there are a few steps you can take to lengthen the lifespan of your furnace, some factors are simply beyond your control. These factors include the date your furnace was manufactured and how the HVAC professionals handled your furnace installation.
So, how long does a gas furnace last? To further answer this question, consider your system’s manufacturer date and the quality of the installation.
The Furnace’s Manufacture Date
Modern furnaces are known to last much longer than those built 15 to 20 years ago. This jump in longevity is due to newer technologies and better parts.
There have been many advancements to HVAC systems in recent years. In fact, the lifespan of older furnaces didn’t even come close to what the average life expectancy of a gas furnace is today. For instance, it’s now required that furnaces have a minimum Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 78 percent. The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient a furnace is.
Some older furnaces have an AFUE rating as low as 56 percent. The lower the AFUE rating, the harder your furnace has to work to produce adequate heat, leading to rapid wear and tear.
The Quality of the Installation
Did you schedule your furnace installation with a reputable company? Oftentimes, a poor installation can negatively impact your furnace’s life expectancy.
A reputable HVAC company will use quality equipment and determine the right size furnace for your home. However, if you have a furnace that is too small or large for your home, your furnace may malfunction as it tries to meet your heating needs.
Call the Gas Furnace Experts
As you can see, certain factors can affect how long a gas furnace lasts. With proper care and attention, you can help your furnace live a long, high-performance life.
If it’s time to replace your furnace, trust your installation to the experts at Environment Masters. Our professional team has experience performing everything from heat pump replacements to furnace repairs in Madison, MS. We know what the average life expectancy of a gas furnace is and can help you enjoy a new system that is well-maintained and equipped with high-quality parts.
Call us right away to schedule a furnace service in Madison, MS!
