CouponsLifespan Of A Furnace
Furnaces are an integral part of your HVAC system and, as such, a necessity for most homes and commercial buildings in the US. These devices can be very expensive to replace. Therefore, a property owner should take all possible measures to ensure that their furnace stays functional for as long as possible. This article will take you through 7 effective tips to prolong the lifespan of furnaces.
Lifespan of Furnaces – How Long Do They Last?
How long furnaces can last is a subjective matter. The lifespan of these machines largely depends on how well you care for them. How often you maintain them, whether you conduct timely repairs, and how rough you use the system are some of the factors that determine how long your furnace will last. Generally, a well-maintained furnace that undergoes regular upkeep procedures can last for 15 to 20 years.
However, neglecting your furnace can significantly reduce its lifespan. Without regular maintenance, components can wear down faster, dust and debris can accumulate, and small issues can escalate into larger, costlier problems. For instance, a dirty filter can strain the system, leading to overheating and premature failure of critical components. Similarly, failing to address unusual noises or performance issues may result in expensive repairs or the need for an early replacement.
Another factor influencing a furnace’s longevity is the type and quality of the unit. High-efficiency furnaces often have advanced technology and durable components, potentially giving them a longer lifespan if properly maintained. On the other hand, older models or budget systems may have shorter lifespans, even with diligent care.
The environment in which the furnace operates also plays a role. If your furnace is exposed to excess moisture, dust, or corrosive substances, its lifespan could be compromised. Additionally, how the furnace is sized relative to your home’s heating needs matters; an undersized system will work harder and wear out faster, while an oversized unit may cycle on and off more frequently, leading to increased wear and tear.
Ultimately, the best way to maximize your furnace’s lifespan is to schedule annual professional maintenance, promptly address repairs, and operate the system responsibly. Taking these proactive measures can help ensure your furnace provides reliable, efficient heating for years to come.
7 Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Furnaces
Keep Your Air Filters Clean
Your furnace filters play the vital role of keeping out the grime, dirt, foreign objects, and pollutants suspended in the atmosphere as your furnace breathes in the air from the outdoors. In the case of a worn-out filter, these harmful substances can infiltrate the interior of the furnace and damage the internal components.
Additionally, dirt, grime, and debris will accumulate over your filters over time if not changed timely. This can obstruct the air inflow into your furnace. As a result, the furnace has to consume more energy to pull in air through the layer of dirt, thereby lowering the efficiency and performance of your system.
As a rule of thumb, filters should be changed after one to six months depending on the area you’re located in. if you find that you are unable to see the filter material underneath the dirt or if you can’t see any light through the accumulated dirt, take it as a red flag signaling that it’s time to replace the filter.
Schedule Routine Furnace Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is almost always the most important factor in determining how long a furnace will last. As such, scheduling a complete furnace tune-up once every fall is one of the most effective ways to ensure your furnace has a prolonged lifespan.
A qualified HVAC expert will thoroughly inspect and clean your furnace, addressing any potential issues before they become costly problems. Along with a prolonged lifespan, regular maintenance offers the added benefit of improved efficiency compared to a dirty or neglected furnace. This means your furnace will consume less energy to heat your home, helping you save on your utility bills without sacrificing comfort.
Moreover, a clean furnace contributes to a healthier home environment. Dust, debris, and allergens that accumulate in a dirty furnace can circulate throughout your home, potentially triggering allergies or respiratory issues. A properly maintained furnace ensures cleaner air and a more comfortable living space for you and your family.
Preventative maintenance also provides peace of mind during the colder months. Nothing is worse than a furnace breakdown in the dead of winter. Regular tune-ups reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures, giving you confidence that your heating system will perform reliably when you need it most. Additionally, early detection of issues can save you significant repair costs in the long run, as small problems can often be addressed before they escalate into major breakdowns.
Investing in preventative maintenance is not just about extending the life of your furnace; it’s about maximizing comfort, safety, and efficiency while minimizing unexpected expenses. By taking the time to schedule annual maintenance, you’re making a smart, proactive decision to protect one of your home’s most vital systems and ensure it serves you well for many winters to come.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Just like any other machine, the lifespan of furnaces is also influenced in part by how hard it has to work. A more relaxed usage of your system can potentially add a few years of life to it largely because of lower strain on the internal components that make up the system.
There are many reasons as to why your heater may have to work more and harder than your requirements call for. For instance, your system is overworking when you leave it on at full capacity when you’re at work and no one’s home.
Installing a smart programmable thermostat can help you cut down the usage of your system. The smart thermostat can study and learn the energy usage patterns of your home and regulate your system’s performance accordingly. Additionally, you can also program the device according to your personal energy needs. This will not only help you extend the life of your furnace but also save considerably on your utility bills.
Avoid Changing Thermostat Settings Frequently
Adjusting the thermostat often can lead to increased wear and tear of your system’s components. Keeping this in mind, it is advisable to maintain the thermostat setting for at least eight hours and avoid frequent adjustments.
Don’t Delay Furnace Repairs
Your service specialist can detect potential issues in your furnace and may recommend appropriate repairs during routine maintenance. If you do find yourself in such a situation, it is best to act on the expert’s advice immediately and schedule the necessary repairs. Not doing so can lead to additional problems seeing as how each component of a furnace works in conjunction with another.
The technician may advise repairs include replacing a broken belt or clearing a clogged condensate line. In case of continuous delays, the problem will worsen, and your heater will be more likely to break down prematurely.
Insulate Your Home
As discussed above, one way to prolong the lifespan of furnaces is to reduce their workload. While running the system at a lower capacity is indeed one of doing this, another way can be to reduce the energy loss through your home, in doing so, reducing the HVAC needs of your home.
Insulating parts of your home that are the primary sources of energy loss, such as the attic, will you’re your home retain the heat generated by the furnace. As a result, less work will be required from the furnace during the winter season. Naturally, the less your furnace operates, the less wear and tear it undergoes, hence a prolonged lifespan.
Have Ducts Cleaned and Sealed
Leakages in the duct can result in a loss of air through the openings, thereby deteriorating the performance of your system. In fact, American homes can lose up to 30% of cooled and heated air due to duct leakages. Air leakages mean that your system has to blow harder and longer to meet the desired environmental conditions of your home.
Additionally, uncleaned ducts can lead to dust and dirt accumulation which in turn can provide additional resistance and obstruction to the airflow in the ducts. Needless to say, this leads to your system having to work harder and consume more power. Moreover, the dust and dirt can get carried along with the air and released into your home’s environment.
Contact a Professional Furnace Repair and Maintenance Service
Knowing how to improve the lifespan of furnaces is not enough on its own. The sophistication of these devices rules out the possibility for DIY maintenance or repair. With that said, it is crucial that you reach out to a qualified furnace maintenance and repair service such as King to handle all your furnace issues. Their unmatched expertise in the field, coupled with high-quality service, will help extend the life of your furnace for many years to come. Contact them today!