Furnaces are an item in any home and, like most things, they do not last forever. The average lifespan of a typical gas furnace is around 15-30 years. However, if you schedule yearly furnace maintenance, your furnace should last closer to 30 years and even a little longer.
Factors That Affect Furnace Life Expectancy
There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of your furnace:
Make and model of the furnace. Newer systems have longer lifespans than older units.
Frequency and quality of furnace maintenance. In order to maintain manufacturer’s warranties and keep your system clean and efficient, schedule a fall furnace maintenance every year from a professional who will also fully clean your system.
Moisture levels and proper ventilation. Too much moisture can cause heater components to rust and prematurely break down. Moisture is especially harmful to your heat exchanger.
Proper installation. Over half of all new HVAC systems are improperly installed, According to Energy Star. This can result in efficiency levels being reduced by as much as 30%. Improper installation also leads to premature breakdowns, comfort problems, and insufficient air distribution and dehumidification. The most important day in your furnace’s life is the day it is installed.
Improper furnace sizing: An incorrectly sized furnace installed within a heating and air conditioning system reduces the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Plus, it potentially reduces your furnace’s lifespan.
Extreme thermostat settings: Setting your thermostat too high or low can cause damage to components. This may shorten the life of the furnace or lead to an expensive service calls. Experts recommend setting your thermostat between 60⁰ and 80⁰ Fahrenheit.