5 Ways To Extend the Lifespan of Furnace
Furnaces are a major investment for your home. But what is the lifespan of furnace?
The average furnace life expectancy is around 15-20 years. This is assuming you're doing what you can to extend the lifespan of home furnace. Gas furnaces and electric furnaces are prone to problems, but we're here to give you the best tips to keep your furnace lasting as long as possible.
We'll tell you the 5 essential methods to enhance the longevity of your heating system, focusing on practical maintenance and efficiency measures. From filter replacements to home insulation, we've curated a list of effective ways to ensure your furnace operates optimally for years to come.
Understanding these tips can help you save on energy costs and avoid unnecessary and expensive repairs. Let's explore how you can maximize the furnace lifespan and maintain a cozy home environment.
How to Extend the Average Furnace Lifespan?
1: Change Your Furnace Air Filter
One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods to increase the average lifespan of a home furnace is by changing its filters.
Typically ranging from $55 to $160 annually, filters play a huge role in preventing dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris from infiltrating the blower fan. A clogged filter restricts airflow, compelling the furnace to exert more effort and potentially damaging expensive components.
To maintain optimal performance, establish a regular furnace maintenance routine to inspect or replace your filter every few months. Consider investing in higher-quality filters that are reusable and washable, reducing waste and long-term expenses.
Our Helpful Tip: Use a new filter as a visual indicator of how dirty your current filter is. By prioritizing filter replacements, you not only improve the efficiency of your furnace but also mitigate the risk of expensive repair bills down the line.
2: Ensure Your Home is Energy Efficient
Finding energy inefficiencies in your home helps optimize your furnace's performance.
Leaks and poor insulation can significantly impact your HVAC system, leading to unnecessary energy waste. Older windows, for instance, may contribute to a 25% loss of HVAC energy (Energy.Gov) due to inadequate heat retention.
Like clogged filters, these inefficiencies force your furnace to overwork, increasing wear and tear.
Investing in insulation upgrades can mitigate this strain.
Common problem areas include:
- Gaps in the foundation
- Windows
- Doors
- Entry points for cables and pipes
Consider replacing outdated windows with Low-E-coated glass options to enhance energy efficiency and minimize heat loss.
By enhancing your home's energy efficiency, you not only improve comfort but also extend the lifespan of furnace while lowering energy bills.
3: Keep Your Home As Clean As Possible
Maintaining cleanliness around your old or new furnace is crucial for both safety and performance.
As furnaces are often located in storage rooms or closets, it's common for items to accumulate nearby. However, this can pose a fire hazard and block airflow, placing strain on the motor.
To ensure safety and proper functioning, maintain a clearance of at least 2.5 feet around your furnace.
Removing dust from the furnace room or closet helps remove debris buildup. By prioritizing cleanliness, you minimize safety risks and extend your furnace's life.
4: Have Your Furnace Inspected Annually
Ensuring your furnace undergoes an annual inspection is fundamental for its upkeep.
You can opt to conduct this yourself or enlist a professional for a thorough assessment.
If opting for a DIY approach, always remember to switch off your furnace completely before starting the inspection.
During the inspection, pay particular attention to:
- The Blower: The HVAC or furnace blower and motor, situated behind the filter, require regular cleaning to maintain optimal functionality.
- General Discrepancies: Do you have increased heating bills? Do you hear unusual noises emanating from your furnace during operation? See any chips or broken pieces? These could indicate underlying issues.
Should you detect any issues, seek the expertise of a furnace cleaning and repair specialist in your area. By prioritizing annual furnace maintenance, you identify potential problems early and extend gas furnace lifespan significantly.
Read Also: Signs You Need a Furnace Repair
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5: Book Professional Maintenance (Inspection & Tune-ups)
While conducting your own inspections is beneficial, scheduling professional maintenance at least once per year, if not twice, is highly advisable. HVAC and furnace repair experts possess the expertise to identify even the slightest issues that may compromise your furnace's performance.
We've seen temperatures plummet in Vancouver to -13°C or lower. That's why regular inspections are imperative for ensuring your furnace operates efficiently, especially during winter months.
Consider scheduling a furnace inspection in the fall to preemptively address any potential issues before the onset of colder weather.
During a professional maintenance appointment, expect the technician to:
- Inspect your heating system thoroughly
- Check for system leaks, including potential carbon monoxide leaks
- Evaluate the integrity of electrical wiring
- Assess the performance of individual furnace components
By entrusting your furnace maintenance to professionals, you uphold its efficiency and reliability while ensuring a comfortable indoor environment year-round.
Read Also: Furnace Repair vs Replacement
Make your Furnace Last: Get a Professional Inspection
Prioritizing maintenance and efficiency measures can significantly extend the lifespan of your furnace, ensuring a cozy and safe home environment.
Remember, regular inspections by trusted professionals like Rockson & Sons in Surrey and Langley. We specialize in furnace service repair and maintenance and address potential issues early on for homeowners.
By investing in professional inspections annually, you can enhance the efficiency of your furnace and prolong its longevity, ultimately saving on repair costs and utility bills.
Make your furnace last by scheduling a professional inspection today with Rockson & Sons.
Frequetly Asked Questions
While gas furnaces typically operate for 15 to 20 years, hiring a certified technician for annual maintenance can prolong their lifespan. It's advisable to consider furnace replacement after 15 years. Electric furnaces, boasting an average lifespan of 20-30 years, are preferred by some homeowners over repairing older gas systems.
The longevity of a furnace largely depends on maintenance. Typically, a well-maintained gas furnace can endure 15 to 20 years, though consistent upkeep can extend its lifespan further. However, factors such as repair frequency and cost considerations play a role in determining when it's time to replace your furnace.
Factors Influencing the Lifespan of a Home Furnace Include:
- Size: Small furnace models struggle to heat larger spaces effectively.
- Poor Insulation: This includes design flaws and compromised seals and can undermine heating efficiency.
- Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance fosters dirt buildup, airflow restrictions, and other issues compromising performance.
Thermostat Settings: Optimal thermostat settings, between 68-72°F (18-20°C), balance efficiency and comfort. Extreme settings strain HVAC systems, affecting longevity.