No one likes to think about whether their furnace could be ready to quit. The average family also probably doesn’t like to think about budgeting for it. But when your furnace or heating system finally gives up and cannot be repaired, replacing your furnace becomes a top priority, regardless of the expense.
Nothing lasts forever and your furnace is no exception. However, there are signs to be on the lookout for, which will indicate that it’s time to begin saving for a new system.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Furnace?
The average life span of a furnace is around 15 to 20 years, although this can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance and the quality of the unit. Regular furnace maintenance can help extend the life of any furnace.
What Are Some Signs that Suggest You Need to Replace Your Furnace?
- Age: If your furnace is used regularly in the colder months and is more than 15 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it.
- Inefficiency: If your furnace is running constantly, not producing enough heat or using more energy than usual, it may be reaching the end of its life span.
- Repairs: Just like your automobile, if you’ve had to make multiple repairs to your furnace in a short period of time, it may be more cost-effective to replace it instead of continually fixing it.
- Unusual noises: If you hear unusual noises such as banging, clicking or rattling coming from your furnace, it may be a sign that parts are worn out or damaged.
- Uneven heating: If some rooms in your home are much warmer or cooler than others, it may indicate that your furnace is not functioning properly.
- Increased utility bills: If your energy bills have been steadily increasing, even though your usage habits haven’t changed, it could be a sign that your furnace is working less efficiently.
Tips for Choosing a New Furnace
When buying a new furnace for your home, there are several factors to consider so you can make sure to get the best unit for your needs and budget:
- Size: Make sure the furnace you choose is the correct size for your home. A furnace that is too large or too small will be inefficient and will not provide optimal heating.
- Fuel type: Furnaces are available that run on different fuel types, such as natural gas, propane, oil or electricity. Consider the fuel type that is most readily available and cost-effective in your area.
- Efficiency: Furnaces are rated by the industry experts in two ways: 1) Their annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), which measures how efficiently they convert fuel into heat, and 2) the British Thermal Unit (BTU), indicates how much energy a furnace uses to produce heat (for an air conditioner, the measurement is opposite; how much energy the AC uses to remove heat). It also serves as a measure of how much of the heat produced by the equipment makes it into your home. Consider a furnace with a high AFUE rating and a BTU rating in the 80,000–100,000 range to save on energy costs.
- Cost: Furnace prices can vary widely depending on the type, size and efficiency. Get quotes from multiple dealers and compare costs to find the best value.
- Brand reputation: Research the brands and models you’re interested in to determine their reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Professional installation: Proper installation is crucial for a furnace to work correctly and safely. It’s a complex job, so choose a licensed and experienced professional like Simons Heating & Cooling to install your new furnace.
- Warranty: Review the warranty offered by each manufacturer and compare the length and terms to determine which offers the best protection for your investment.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can find a furnace that will provide reliable and efficient heating for your home.
What Type of Warranty Should You Expect with a New Furnace?
Typically, a new furnace comes with a limited warranty from the manufacturer, such as Lennox. The warranty period can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model, but most furnaces come with a warranty that covers parts and labor for a set period of time, usually 1-5 years.
Some manufacturers also offer extended warranties that can be purchased for an additional cost. It’s important to review the warranty details and understand what is covered and for how long before deciding on which new furnace to buy. Simons Heating & Cooling can help you with this process.
How To Make Your Furnace Last Longer
You made the investment and now have a new furnace system in your Upstate New York home. To ensure it continuously functions well and lasts as long as expected, you need to properly maintain it. Here are some ways to make that happen:
- Regular cleaning: Clean the furnace, filters and ducts regularly to ensure efficient operation and improve indoor air quality.
- Change filters: Clean filters are essential for proper airflow, which increases efficiency and reduces strain on your unit. Check filters monthly and replace if dirty, or every 90 days.
- Schedule annual inspections: Let Simons Heating & Cooling inspect the furnace annually to identify and fix any potential problems before they become serious. Click here to schedule your furnace maintenance plan.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear: Ensure that the area around the furnace is clear of clutter and debris, and keep flammable items away from the furnace.
- Pay attention to unusual sounds or smells: If you hear strange noises or detect unusual odors from the furnace, turn it off immediately and call a professional for inspection.
- Adjust the thermostat: Ensure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and adjust it as needed to achieve efficient heating.
- Keep the furnace in good condition: Have any necessary repairs made promptly and address any issues related to rust, corrosion or wear and tear.
Contact Simons Heating & Cooling whenever you are considering the repair or replacement of your home’s furnace system. We will make sure you find the best option for your heating needs and family budget. Call 518-839-2602 today to schedule your appointment!