How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last? Find Out Here!
Heating Systems HVAC Services & Maintenance
Gas furnaces don’t last forever, but the longer yours runs efficiently, the better. If you suspect your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s smart to plan ahead. Below, we’ll explore how long gas furnaces typically last, the warning signs that yours may be failing, and how to decide when it’s time to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model.
What is the Typical Life Expectancy of a Gas Furnace?
Gas furnaces can generally last between 12 to 15 years. However, there are many outside factors that will certainly affect the expected lifespan of your system. The more effort you put into keeping your gas furnace working properly, the more likely your equipment will last longer.
Factors that Influence Average Furnace Lifespan
If you’re the homeowner who installed your existing furnace, then you already have a lot of the information you need to determine its expected lifespan. If it was installed by a previous owner, you can still find out a lot just by inspecting the unit and doing some research. Here are the largest contributing factors to HVAC longevity:
- Unit quality: It’s a simple fact that better units last longer. Cheaper HVAC systems tend to wear out more quickly than those that are top-of-the-line or even mid-range.
- Usage: Furnaces that run constantly or at high temperatures take a lot more wear and tear than others, and likely won’t last as long.
- Proper Installation: A properly installed HVAC system usually lasts a good bit longer than one that was poorly installed. If you weren’t the homeowner at the time of furnace installation an HVAC technician can take a look and tell you if it was done correctly.
- Maintenance: A well-maintained furnace is typically a long-lasting one. Routine maintenance includes professional inspections and DIY tasks like changing furnace filters.
Warning Signs Your Furnace is Nearing the End of Its Life
As your system approaches the end of its lifespan, it may start breaking down and malfunctioning more often. The behavior of your equipment, in combination with its age, can help you determine if replacement is needed. Here’s how to tell if your furnace is in decline:
Uneven Heating and Temperature Fluctuations
If you start to notice that your home isn’t staying at a comfortable temperature during the colder months, you might have a problem with your aging furnace. Check your thermostat and make sure it’s accurately measuring the temperature. If you see that it’s struggling to reach or stay at a comfortable level, the end may be approaching.
Increased Energy Bills with No Explanation
If you see a noticeable spike in your utility bills and you haven’t made any significant adjustments to the thermostat, there’s probably another issue. High energy costs can indicate your gas furnace isn’t operating efficiently, which means it may not have long before it fails.
Frequent Repairs and Replacement of Parts
Constantly repairing your furnace or replacing certain elements, like heat exchangers or igniters, could also be an indication that the end of its lifespan is approaching. Not only are frequent repair costs significant, it’s inefficient and hard on your furnace.
Unusual Noises Coming from the Furnace
If you hear strange sounds coming from your gas furnace, like squealing, banging, or rattling, you could be experiencing a serious mechanical failure. While it’s possible that a part replacement or repair could fix the issue temporarily, whatever caused the problem will likely happen again.
Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light
A yellow light that flickers could be an indication that there’s a problem with airflow or your gas supply. This can be a safety hazard, as incomplete combustion can release harmful byproducts and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A pilot light should burn steady, bright, and blue at all times.
How to Extend Your Furnace’s Life Expectancy
Of course, it isn’t always feasible to immediately replace your gas furnace at the first sign of aging. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prolong your furnace’s lifespan, including:
Schedule Annual Furnace Tune-Ups
Regular preventive maintenance of your gas furnace is key to its longevity. Have your HVAC system inspected and serviced regularly by a qualified heating professional. Annual maintenance should also include a thorough inspection of your system and functional components.
Change Air Filters Regularly
During the heating season, check your air filters at least once a month and change them when they get dirty. Clogged, dirty filters can shorten your system’s lifespan and cause malfunctions and breakdowns.
Keep Vents and Ducts Clean
Dirty ducts put a lot of strain on your heating and air conditioning units. They also send dust and pollutants into the air, and can worsen allergies and other health problems. Start by regularly dusting accessible vents and registers throughout your home, and consider hiring a duct cleaning service every one to two years for a deep clean.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
A smart thermostat can help your furnace heat your home more efficiently, especially at peak times of the year. Look for a programmable thermostat that monitors your usage and behaviors and makes adjustments accordingly. This level of automation will help you determine how energy-efficient your current furnace is, and what changes can be made to lower bills while keeping your home comfortable.
Address Repairs Promptly
It’s never fun to replace or repair part of your furnace, but the longer you put it off, the more problems you’re likely to have. Once you notice one of the indicators of aging mentioned above, take action. The longer you leave a problem, the sooner your furnace may give out completely. You don’t want that to happen during inclement weather, over a holiday, or while you’re out of town, leading to a major emergency situation.
When Should You Replace Your Gas Furnace?
So, after you’ve taken all of these preventative steps to make your furnace work, if it still isn’t heating your home adequately, when do you throw in the towel? Here are some of the factors you need to consider:
Cost of Repairs vs. Replacement
A new furnace is certainly a major expense, but repairs and new parts can add up quickly. If you’re replacing minor parts without addressing the root cause, you can anticipate a hefty ongoing bill. Constant repairs can also degrade the quality of the furnace itself, so it wears out even quicker. Ultimately, a replacement could end up saving you money over years of ongoing repairs.
Declining Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of your HVAC system matters a lot. When it’s operating efficiently, it can save you a ton of money on your energy bills. When it’s not, you’re going to end up paying for it. Huge spikes in your utility bills can be an indication that your furnace is at the end of its lifespan, plus those high costs month after month can take a toll on your budget.
Safety Issues with Aging Units
Problems with incomplete combustion, airflow blockages, and malfunctioning heat exchangers aren’t just inconveniences — they could be safety hazards. Aging furnaces have a much higher risk of fire. They are also more likely to release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or have a life-threatening gas leak. Your family’s health and well-being is worth a lot more than trying to save a bit and squeeze a couple extra months out of a declining gas furnace.
Home Comfort and Modern Features
It’s possible you’ve thought your aging furnace was “good enough.” But it’s also possible that you haven’t fully understood what you’ve been missing. New systems run quieter, operate more efficiently, and keep your home at a consistently comfortable temperature. In the end, it could be worth it just to enjoy being in your home, especially during the winter months.
Choosing the Right Replacement Furnace
Once you decide it’s time to let your old furnace go, you’ll wonder what’s next. Here’s what you need to consider when picking a replacement furnace:
- Efficiency Rating: Modern gas furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Standard models typically range from 80–85% AFUE, while high-efficiency models are around 90–98%. High-efficiency units often last longer and may qualify for rebates.
- Furnace Size: Furnace sizes are measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The right size depends on your home’s square footage and climate. A general rule is 30 BTUs per square foot, though colder climates may require 40–50 BTUs per square foot. Choosing the correct size improves efficiency and comfort.
- Professional Installation: Proper installation is key to furnace efficiency and longevity. Hire a qualified HVAC technician or company to ensure everything is set up correctly. Be sure they provide information on warranties, thermostat settings, and optimal operation.
Get Expert Advice on Your Furnace’s Lifespan with Airtron
Nothing lasts forever, but you want your furnace to operate efficiently for as long as possible. And, once it’s time to say goodbye, you want to know you’re choosing the right replacement HVAC system and setting yourself up for success. Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional HVAC installation and maintenance services to residential customers in Indianapolis and the surrounding Hoosier communities, including Avon, Carmel, Greenwood and Martinsville. Contact us today for more information about your home’s gas furnace and for an expert assessment on how long your heating system should last.
