How Long Can Your Furnace Last?

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Your furnace is one of the most significant investments you'll make in your home. So it's no wonder you want to get the most out of your furnace. The following not only explains how long you can expect your furnace to last, but also tips on how to make it last for years to come.

Average Lifespan of a Typical Furnace

Today's energy-efficient furnaces are designed with relatively long lifespans in mind. You can expect a typical furnace to provide you with 20 to 30 years of reliable service under ideal conditions with the proper maintenance and upkeep. It's possible for exceptionally well-kept furnaces to last even longer, especially if they're built with surprisingly robust materials and components.

Factors That Affect Lifespan

Keep in mind that there are plenty of factors that can influence the overall lifespan of your furnace:

• Climate - Furnaces in colder climates will see more frequent use, adding more wear and tear on the unit as time goes on.
• Upkeep - Regularly scheduled maintenance and upkeep can help a furnace last for years, whereas sporadic or nonexistent upkeep can doom it to a rather short life.
• Build Quality - If your furnace uses the best parts available, then there's a good chance it'll last for decades. Cheaper furnaces tend to use lower-quality parts that wear out faster, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
• Technology - Variable speed blowers, two-stage gas valves and dual heat exchangers not only make furnaces more efficient, but less stressed in overall use. Furnaces equipped with these and other technologies may last longer than their less well-equipped counterparts.

It's important to take the above factors into account when estimating your furnace's projected lifespan.

Helping Your Furnace Go the Distance

Most experts recommend that you consider replacing your furnace after 15 years of service. However, you can keep your furnace going throughout its working life

• Choose a furnace that best suits your home and climate - Your furnace should not only be the right size for your home, but it should also be appropriate for your local climate.
• Invest in regularly scheduled maintenance - Having your furnace regularly inspected and maintained can help it last longer.
• Be proactive instead of reactive - Fixing minor issues before they snowball into major problems can help extend the life of your furnace.
• Keep moisture at bay - Excess moisture can cause rust to quickly form throughout the entire furnace.

These tips can help you get countless years of reliable and dependable service out of your furnace. For more information, see a website such as http://www.cblucashvac.com.

15 December 2016