How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?

When you move into a new home, one of the many things you need to ask about is when the gas furnace was last replaced. Depending on how long it has been, you may wonder if you will need to replace it sooner rather than later. There is no specific answer to the question of how long a gas furnace lasts, but there are factors that can affect its lifespan for better or for worse. Knowing when to repair your furnace and when to replace it can be difficult, but knowing how long your furnace is supposed to last can make a difference.

The Average Life Expectancy of a Gas Furnace

A gas furnace is one of the longest-lasting appliances in your home. In rare cases, it can last more than 40 years, but the average lifespan tends to be between 15 and 30 years. With regular maintenance by a certified HVAC technician, there is no reason your furnace should not go above and beyond the 15-year mark.

If your furnace is coming up on 15 years of life or has already passed it, it is wise to start saving for a new furnace so that you are not in the hole when the time comes to replace it. You can also learn about new energy-efficient furnace options and get an idea of the cost. It is up to you when you want to replace it completely – some people prefer to buy a new model before even a minor repair is needed, while others are willing to make several repairs to their existing gas furnace before investing in a new one.

Factors Affecting the Life Expectancy of a Gas Furnace

Like all home appliances, the right care can be the difference between replacing your furnace in 15 years or 25 years. There are several things that can influence how long your furnace lasts, including:

Sizing

It is essential to have a gas furnace that is appropriately sized for your home. If the furnace is too small for your space, it may stay on for too long and struggle to heat your home, which can add wear and tear to its parts. However, if the furnace is too large for your space, it will turn on and off too quickly, adding wear and tear to its parts.

Installation

It is important to select a qualified HVAC professional to install your furnace instead of doing it yourself. Poorly designed, sized, and sealed ductwork can restrict airflow and cause problems with performance and reliability. Inaccurately installed venting and fuel lines can also affect performance and reduce the lifespan of your furnace.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance can be the make or break of your gas furnace. Ignoring recommended maintenance and buildup on furnace parts can reduce the lifespan of our furnace by making it work harder and lead to less effective heat transfer. It is recommended to hire a certified home heating technician who can fix minor repairs to improve performance and avoid bigger issues down the road.

Thermostat Settings

Setting your thermostat too high or too low can make your gas furnace run more frequently and reduce its lifespan. It is recommended to set your thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Make Your Gas Furnace Last

It is recommended that a certified HVAC technician come to perform annual maintenance on your gas furnace so that they can let you know if there are any issues to keep an eye on or perform any repairs. But that doesn’t mean you can forget about your furnace for the rest of the year. Here are a few things you can do to maintain your furnace’s health:

• Keep filters, motors, and the heat exchanger free from dirt, dust, and debris, and ensure all ductwork is clean and properly sealed.

• Check and clean your furnace air filter regularly.

• Keep your home properly insulated and sealed.

• Keep your thermostat settings near the recommended 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Warning Signs Your Gas Furnace is Nearing Its End

As much as you may dread the large buy, the time will come when your gas furnace dies and will need to be replaced. There are a few signs you can watch for to know your furnace is nearing the end of its life:

• Frequent service calls

• Expensive repair bills

• Uneven temperatures

• Inability to maintain thermostat settings

• Performance issues like blowing cold air

• Poor air quality

• New or increased noises

• Increase in energy bills, especially for high-efficiency gas furnaces

If the time is approaching to replace your worn-out gas furnace, shop Napoleon’s selection of gas furnaces, and contact a technician to determine the right size and model for your home.