How Long Does a Furnace Typically Last? How to Make It Longer

A new furnace is a significant household expense, so you want to ensure that you’re properly caring for this essential appliance.

Your furnace can last for 15 to 20 years if properly maintained before you need a costly HVAC furnace replacement. However, poor maintenance can significantly reduce this lifespan. Many homeowners are aware that they should change their furnace filter on a regular basis, but they are unaware of any other steps they should take.

The good news is that once you know what’s expected, a little extra effort can go a long way. It will ensure that your furnace operates safely and efficiently for as long as possible.

Well-Maintained Furnace Lifespan

Many households will use their furnace at least six months out of the year. To ensure a worry-free heating season, it is critical that you keep your furnace in good working order throughout the year.

There are a few key steps you should take to help your furnace last 15 years or more:

• Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up every fall.

• Clean or replace the filter at least every three months (preferably once a month during the winter).

• Check the main ducts near your furnace for air leaks and seal them with foil tape.

• Install a programmable thermostat to maximize efficiency. Energy savings of up to 15% can be realized with a smart thermostat.

• Check the intake and exhaust pipes (located outside your home) regularly to make sure they’re not clogged with ice, snow, leaves, or other debris.

• Vacuum dust and debris from inside of floor registers and return once a year.

Poorly Maintained Furnace Lifespan

If your furnace maintenance consists solely of changing the filter, the unit will become problematic and fail far before its expected lifespan.

Aside from the cost of installing new furnace years sooner than necessary, there are other consequences to not properly maintaining your furnace. These are some examples:

• Poor air quality caused by a buildup of dust and debris, which is particularly bad for family members with allergies.

• Accumulated dust on the blower, which may cause the motor to work harder and hotter resulting in premature failure.

• Increased utility bills when your furnace operates less efficiently.

• Potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

• Complete breakdown, which is an inconvenience at the best of times and a serious situation if it happens when it’s -30 degrees Celsius outside.

Get Your HVAC Furnace Back On Track

The first step in ensuring that your furnace is operating at peak efficiency is to schedule a full professional inspection and tune-up.

The job of servicing your furnace is best left to certified HVAC professionals, such as those at Elkton Home Heating and Air. A tune-up includes a thorough cleaning and inspection of the entire system by one of our service technicians. We will also repair or replace any broken or damaged parts.

Once you’ve determined that your furnace is in good working order, you can maintain it by changing the filters on a regular basis and scheduling an annual tune-up each fall. These simple tasks will save you time and money in the long run, allowing you to enter winter with confidence.