It’s starting to get chilly out there. You’re going to be thankful that you have a furnace soon! But how long have you had that furnace? Has it been many years since you had it installed? Maybe it was in place when you purchased your home, and you don’t even know exactly how long it’s been there.
Part of knowing when you need to plan for heating system replacement is keeping track of the age of your furnace. Knowing how long different heating systems last may be a factor in what you choose for a replacement. So how long do furnaces last? Do some last longer than others? How can you maximize your furnace’s lifespan? We’ve got the info you need. When you need furnace installation in Shelby County, AL, you can count on us.
Gas Furnaces
If your furnace combusts natural gas, it has a lifespan of around 10-15 years. Over time, it will gradually experience failure of more components, inefficiency, and ineffectiveness. The most significant factor in the ultimate end of your furnace will probably be corrosion. When rust starts to set in, all the components are vulnerable, and the furnace won’t last much longer.
Why do gas furnaces experience so much corrosion? When fuel combusts, it creates a few different things. The product you intend to create is heat. There is also exhaust, which is vented out of your home. Finally, there’s condensation. This moisture clings to surfaces in your furnace. And it doesn’t have a neutral pH, like water. Instead, it’s about as acidic as soda pop, which will eventually degrade the metal of the furnace.
Electric Furnaces
If your furnace doesn’t combust fuel, it runs solely on electricity. This means it will last longer. It might keep running well for about 15 years or longer. It will experience less corrosion because of the lack of condensation. Does that mean it’s always the better choice? Not necessarily. Electricity is often a more costly energy source than natural gas. And an electric furnace is almost always more expensive up front than a gas furnace.
Maximizing Furnace Lifespan
The way to make it most likely that your furnace will reach those life expectancy numbers—and possibly even a little bit more—is by being very diligent about maintenance. Your furnace needs a checkup from a qualified technician every single year. This will keep it clean and lubricated, and catch tiny concerns before they can develop into real problems. You should also change your furnace’s air filter monthly.
If you only sometimes manage to get maintenance done, your furnace will have a shorter lifespan. And if you never have maintenance done, it will be much shorter. Lack of care and service can cut a heating system’s lifespan in half! That would mean purchasing a new system twice as often. Yikes!
Professional Installation
Another way to make sure your furnace has the best possible chance of lasting as long as it can is to have it installed by a team of professionals. We’ll set your furnace up for success, and then help you keep it maintained for the many years it will last.
“Your experience is what matters most!” Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today for help with all your furnace needs.
