The weather in Wildwood, FL, is lovely for most of the year, and even our winters are comfortable compared to what’s the norm elsewhere across the country. However, the temperature will still drop into the 40s. Therefore, many people turn on their furnaces to stay warm.
When you have a furnace system that has served you so well, you may find yourself wondering if it’s time to switch to a new one. How long does a furnace last? Can you squeeze out a few more years from your trusty old unit? When should you consider a replacement?
As the top choice for furnace repair services in Wildwood, FL, these are some of the questions we hear frequently from our customers. We’ll cover all the answers in this post.
The True Lifespan of a Furnace System
Furnace systems are generally expensive and it’s only natural that you’ll want to use yours for as long as you can. However, no one wants to risk being without heating in the winter because their old furnace system suddenly gave up on them, so it makes sense to know the perfect time to change your unit.
But how long does a furnace last? Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast rule here. Furnace manufacturers do not include an expiry date on their products. However, most experienced HVAC technicians will agree that furnace systems tend to provide 15-20 years of service.
Some units can last 30 years or more, though. It’s not uncommon for home buyers to keep using an old furnace that has already worked 20 years for another 10 to 15 years. But it’s always a good idea to expect to replace your furnace after it has worked for 20 years.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Furnace System in Wildwood, FL
Some of the factors that will determine how long your furnace will last include the following:
Quality of the Installation Work
How long does a furnace last? Well, was it installed correctly in the first place?
It may surprise you to know that a significant chunk of HVAC systems are not installed properly which sets them up for a life of underperformance. Installation quality is a big deal because a poorly installed furnace can lose up to 30% of the advertised energy efficiency ratings and will ultimately pack up sooner.
Professional technicians know that the installation day is unarguably the most important in the life of the furnace system. Therefore, they take the time to get everything right. Firstly, the furnace should be the right size for the home. This reduces the risk of overworking the unit from day one.
Secondly, an experienced installer will prevent ductwork, drainage, and fuel line problems. They’ll set your unit up for energy-efficient service in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Maintenance Habits
As is the case with other HVAC systems, regular maintenance is crucial if you want to prolong the unit’s lifespan. How long does a furnace last with regular maintenance? A lot more than it would without a regular maintenance routine.
Some of the things technicians would do during regular maintenance, such as filter changes, cleaning fan blades, checking the heat exchanger lifespan, etc., can all help your furnace last a long time.
Brand and Model
All furnace systems on the market today have to meet a minimum quality threshold. However, some manufacturers do a lot more to ensure their products last longer. That’s why brand reliability is a big talking point when choosing a new furnace system.
If your furnace is from some of the leading, more reliable manufacturers, you can expect it to have an extended lifespan.
Your Usage Habits
Furnace systems that run at full tilt throughout every heating season will likely break down faster than those that are set to run fewer heating cycles at more moderate temperatures.
With the weather here in Wildwood, FL, there’s no need to set your thermostat to 78 degrees. However, many homeowners do this. Some do it because they want their home to heat up faster. Others do it because some part of their home is colder than others. In any case, your unit will wear out faster if you’re working it too hard.
Signs You Should Replace Your Furnace System
We’ve established the fact that there’s no hard and fast answer to the question, “How long does a furnace last?” Still, there should be a way to know when to replace a furnace system.
Some of the top signs you should replace your furnace include the following:
Inadequate Heating
If your furnace has stopped delivering even heating for no clear reason, it’s probably on its last legs. Cranking up the thermostat may get you a bit more comfortable, but every degree of increase is a few percentage points increase in your energy bills. Those numbers can add up pretty quickly!
If your unit is no longer meeting your needs, you’re better off talking to your HVAC technician about a replacement.
Old Age
If your furnace is already more than two decades old, the chances of sudden failure in the peak of winter are a lot higher.
Frequent Breakdowns
Do you need to pay for furnace repairs almost every year? That’s one of the clearest signs that the furnace is on its way out. Well-maintained furnace systems in excellent shape will get through each winter without breaking down even once. If you’re scheduling repairs regularly, you should start looking at the cost of the repairs versus the cost of a replacement unit.
Get Expert Guidance From Your Local HVAC Experts in Wildwood, FL
How long does a furnace last? Is it time to change your unit? We’ve provided some general guidance in this post, but sometimes, you’re better off seeking personalized answers from an experienced technician.
Our team at Fast Air Heating & Cooling is on hand to answer all your questions and take care of any other common heating issues you might have. Call us today to schedule a consultation.