How Many Years Does a Furnace Usually Last?
According to Consumer Reports, your average furnace should be able to produce heat nearly 24 hours per day for 12 years. They estimate that the life of your heating system can vary from 10 to 25 years, depending on how well you take care of it and the climate in which you live. Because different factors are involved, it is challenging to predict lifespan accurately. Check out this essential guide to help you determine if it’s time for new heating equipment or whether repairs will suffice.
Determining When It’s Time for Furnace Replacement – A common rule of thumb suggests that most homes have their furnaces replaced when they about 65% of their expected life. Many professionals, however, feel it’s best to be proactive and replace heating equipment before it fails. If you are located in an area with cold weather, such as the Northeast or Midwest regions of the United States, it probably makes sense to do this more frequently. Replacing your furnace can be expensive, especially if you choose new equipment with advanced features like variable speed capacity and heat exchangers made from hyper-eutectic cast iron rather than traditional steel. Leaking Gas Furnace Burner Tubes – Most furnaces don’t last forever simply because they’re old; most stop working due to age-related repairs that become too costly or risky to undertake…
Furnace Replacement Costs: Replacing a furnace is expensive. The price tag of $3,500 for labor and materials averages across all homes in the United States. This figure doesn’t include HVAC equipment costs or potential repairs if an unlicensed contractor does the work. Replacing Central Heating Equipment – Furnaces can be replaced with other central heating systems, including boilers and furnaces that use either oil or natural gas as fuel sources.
Furnace Replacement and Energy Efficiency: You’ll save money on energy bills when your new furnace is more efficient than the one it’s replacing, especially if its A.F.U.E. (annual fuel utilization efficiency) goes up from 70% to 80%.
The information given herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted to diagnose and treat any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
The lifespan of a furnace is dependent on what type of fuel it uses. Because there are three types – natural gas, propane, and electric – the average life varies. As with most appliances, furnaces exist in an industry that produces inexpensive units. Manufacturers aim to promote repeat sales by equipping low-end machines with cheap components that require early replacement or do not last as long as higher-priced items are fitted with better parts. Rarely do manufacturers specify expected lives for their products; however, they often provide specific warranties covering defects in some aspects for a set amount of time. The calibration of furnaces is another critical consideration.