How Long Does a Furnace Last?

Your furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home, and with a cold Illinois winter approaching, it is about to become even more so. But does it work properly? Many homeowners turn their furnaces on in the fall after months without use only to find out that there is something wrong—a cracked heater exchange, clogged filter, malfunctioning thermostat, worn-out ball bearings, or a lack of blowing air. Most of these issues can be fixed. However, there comes a time when a furnace has to be replaced outright.

Furnaces Last Between Five and 30 Years

Furnaces last anywhere from five to 30 years, though the average furnace continues to function for 10 to 20 years. The lifespan of your furnace depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Quality of the furnace
• How heavily the furnace gets used
• How well you maintained and serviced the unit

How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Furnace

• Get an Appropriately Sized Furnace for Your Home —A furnace that is too small for your home will be put through cycles that are too long, while an overly large furnace will go through cycles rapidly, turning off and on repeatedly. Both of these scenarios cause overuse issues. 
• Install the Furnace Properly—You can get a top-of-the-line furnace and still run into lifespan issues if it is installed shoddily. The quality of your installation includes proper drainage, ductwork, and fuel lines. Installation is not something you want to cut corners on. 
• Do Not Run Your Furnace Too Hot—The hotter the thermostat, the more wear and tear your furnace will encounter. Ideally, you should not turn your furnace above 70 degrees. With natural gas and electricity prices on the rise, you may end up saving big by lowering your thermostat.
• Ensure Regular Maintenance—Maintaining your furnace is the single most important step in ensuring its longevity. Cleaning filters and the heat exchange and responding to strange noises and reduced airflow quickly can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run, especially as the cost of home appliances is set to drastically rise in the years to come. 

Call Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning Today

With summer temperatures only just beginning to recede—and after months without your furnace being turned on—you may not even be aware that your furnace is on its last legs. Now is the time to check your furnace and call an expert before the busy season begins. Call Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning today at 708-339-6444 to schedule an appointment.