Have you been putting off replacing your furnace, letting it limp along for the past few winters? This may seem like an easy way to avoid that initial cost of upgrading your heating system, but running that older furnace could be doing more damage to your home and wallet than you realize. Here’s what you should know about the lifespan of your furnace — and when it’s really time for replacement.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
Many Easy Bay homeowners ask us how long they can expect their heating systems to last. The average furnace lifespan is approximately 15 years; however, that can range from 8 to even 20 years depending on how well the unit is maintained.
One thing to keep in mind here is that furnaces tend to lose efficiency as they age. So if your furnace is nearing the end of its life, it could be causing your heating bills to skyrocket. Often, replacing your furnace before it breaks down completely will save you money in the long run due to avoiding repair costs and having lower heating bills.
The Risks of Running an Aging Furnace
We’ve already discussed how an aging furnace could be costing you money in high heating bills, but that isn’t the only hidden cost of relying on an older furnace to heat your home. Older furnaces also tend to need more frequent repairs due to issues such as dirty pilot lights, bad thermocouples, or dirty burners. The costs of making repairs and replacing parts can add up quickly.
Then there is also safety to consider. An older furnace can develop cracks in the heat exchanger, causing it to release carbon monoxide into your home.
Is It Time to Replace Your Furnace?
When you detect an issue with your furnace, it can be hard to know whether it’s time for repair or replacement. This is especially true if your furnace has not quite reached the 15-year mark. An experienced professional can help you troubleshoot your furnace and determine whether it is efficiently heating your home. Your HVAC specialist may recommend a simple repair to get your furnace back up and running, or they might show you the potential benefits of upgrading to a new, high-efficiency furnace. Whichever route you end up taking, it is always a good idea to enroll in a service agreement to extend the life of your furnace and keep it running at peak performance.
If you have questions about your furnace, let the experts at Hassler Heating & Air Conditioning provide answers. As heating and cooling experts in El Cerrito, Oakland, and Berkeley, we can diagnose your furnace and determine the best heating options for your East Bay home.
