One of the most common questions that St. Louis area homeowners have when they are buying a new furnace or deciding whether or not to replace their current system is, “How long is a furnace supposed to last?” This is a great question and something that depends on several different factors. Today we’re going to talk about the average life expectancy of a furnace and what you can do to extend your system’s operating life!
What is the average life expectancy of a furnace?
The life expectancy of a furnace is directly related to how well it is maintained, how often it is used, and whether or not it was installed properly. In general, you can expect a well-maintained and properly installed furnace to last around 15-20 years. However, if your furnace is not properly maintained and/or it was not installed the right way, its life expectancy can drop by several years.
Factors that will improve a furnace’s life expectancy
- Having your furnace installed properly. As we mentioned earlier this week, a proper furnace installation will have a direct impact on how well your system performs. If your furnace is sized or installed improperly, it will experience more breakdowns and have to work harder than a furnace that is installed the right way. That’s why having your furnace installed by a NATE-certified technician from Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical can greatly increase your system’s life expectancy.
- Getting annual tune-ups. If you want your furnace to last as long as possible, it’s essential to schedule a tune-up every year before the heating season hits. A tune-up will take care of any potential problems with your system and bring it back up to its maximum performance and efficiency levels.
- Regularly changing your air filter. When your air filter is clogged, it causes dirt to build upon your furnace and restricts your system’s airflow. Both of these problems will force your furnace to work harder and can lead to potential breakdowns. By checking andor changing your air filter once per month, you can keep your furnace running smoothly and extend its life expectancy.
- Using a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will ease your furnace’s workload during the times of day when nobody is home. This lessens the amount of time that your furnace is operating during each heating season, which will increase your system’s life expectancy.
If you have any questions about a furnace’s life expectancy, or if you’d like a heating system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, your Saint Charles, MO, heating and cooling contractor. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like Weldon Spring, Wentzville, and Winghaven.
