How Long Do Furnaces Last?
A heating unit is a particularly important piece of equipment. It ensures that your home stays comfortable and healthy for all its inhabitants. HVAC units and heating systems, regardless of the type of furnace, only last approximately 15-20 years.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Home Furnace & Heating System?
After about 15 years, it is a good idea to begin thinking about replacing your furnace. Signs of aging typically begin to emerge after this amount of time has passed. Although old heaters still function, it does not mean they are operating at top-notch efficiency. Instead, they typically use more heating fuel the older they get.
Signs Of Furnace Failure To Be Aware Of
It is essential to know the warning signs of a failing furnace. Also, it is always unwise to procrastinate heater replacement if it becomes evident that the unit is failing. The best time to assess your furnace is not on a cold, snowy night when you have an emergency “no-heat” situation on your hands.
The best way to avoid such a scenario is to learn the signs and symptoms of a failing system. This way, you can accurately determine when to replace it. Furthermore, you can depend on a reliable heating system even if there is a blizzard outdoors.
What Is Your Furnace’s Age?
A good place to begin is by evaluating the age of your furnace. If your heater’s age is close to average or older, it may be time to start thinking of replacing it with a newer model. It is difficult to make the best choice if you wait until you are in the middle of an urgent situation to look for a replacement model.
Rather, schedule furnace replacement as a home improvement project, rather than something to do after the furnace completely fails. The typical life expectancy of a heating unit varies greatly depending on factors such as the environment in which it is being used. For this reason, it is wise to have the system serviced regularly by an experienced HVAC contractor. A reputable HVAC company can adequately evaluate the heater’s condition and offer recommendations.
Higher Energy Costs Than Normal During The Winter
As furnaces age, they often lose their efficiency, especially if proper maintenance is not performed throughout the years. For this reason, the heater may need to run longer than average to produce the same amount of heat. This problem naturally leads to higher energy bills. An increase in your heating bill becomes counter-productive. This extra money for heating fuel is better spent by investing in a new HVAC unit that is more energy-efficient.
Furnace Issues: Cracks In The Heat Exchanger
As time goes on, there is an increase in the risk of your unit’s heat exchanger developing cracks. When carbon monoxide makes its way into the exchanger and cracks are present, this poisonous gas could leak into your dwelling.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include:
- disorientation
- nausea
- flu-like symptoms
- frequent headaches
- a burning sensation in the eyes or nose
If you or anyone in your home experiences any of these symptoms, you should call a professional immediately. Also, shut your unit off and open your windows. Because such cracks often go unnoticed, it is essential to complete regular maintenance on your HVAC unit to lower your risk of a carbon monoxide emergency.
Avoiding The Need For Premature Furnace Replacement
Make sure your furnace is maintained by a professional annually, preferably in the autumn. It is the best way to enhance your heating system’s life expectancy and avoid having to replace the unit sooner than you would have to under normal circumstances. Yearly tune-ups and cleanings ensure that the furnace and all its various parts continue to operate smoothly and efficiently. Your heating system will keep your dwelling comfortable and healthy. A heater that is well-maintained will last much longer than an identical unit that does not receive regular service.
Conclusion
If you are searching for an HVAC company with which to schedule a furnace tune-up, repairs, or a replacement, contact R.F. Ohl without delay.
If your home requires a heating system replacement, our team of professional contractors can assist you to find the most appropriate furnace for your home. We will prioritize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort while finding a system that fits well within your budget.
R.F. Ohl can install your new furnace expertly, which ensures your overall comfort. We will also make sure that the new unit is running at top efficiency. You can rest assured that our NATE-certified contractors have the skills and knowledge to service all types of heating systems.
Also, R.F. Ohl offers reliable services that are performed in a timely manner. We are proud to offer highly competitive prices for heating services in the area. Our skilled and experienced technicians are pleased to provide answers to any questions you have concerning your furnace or its energy consumption. We offer in-home estimates free of charge, so call us now to schedule an appointment.
R.F. Ohl is proud to be an authorized Bryant dealer. Bryant is known for being the manufacturer of the most innovative heating and cooling systems in the HVAC industry. These systems provide exceptional levels of comfort and they are extremely energy efficient. R.F. Ohl, with the designation of being an authorized Bryant dealer, has the knowledge and skills to accurately service your Bryant heater or air conditioner. To learn more about Bryant HVAC systems, click here.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.