• 21 Dec, 2022
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How Long Do Furnaces Last in an Average Size Home?

Everyone likes to be comfortable. In the winter, we like our home warm and, in the summer, cool. Typically, the ideal indoor temperature range is 64 to 75 degrees F with humidity levels at 30-50%. Primarily, it’s our HVAC equipment we depend on to regulate our indoor comfort to these optimal ranges. It’s no fun when our furnace dies in the winter or our air conditioner quits in the summer. Yet, our HVAC unit will only last so long.  But how long do furnaces last in an average size home? How do I know when it’s time to replace it? Most importantly, how do I find a qualified HVAC technician?

Aspire Heating & Cooling is a veteran-owned and locally-operated HVAC company. Proudly serving the Piedmont Triad area, we service homeowners in Winston-Salem, Mocksville, Clemmons, Advance and Bermuda Run. Our NATE-certified technicians can perform maintenance, repair, and installation on any type of system. We service heat pumps, gas and oil furnaces, and geothermal units and well as air conditioners. Even if you bought your system somewhere else, we’ll be happy to work with you. Additionally, should you need a new system, we have many financing options. Moreover, we can help you even if you have some credit problems. It is important to us that you have a new HVAC system when you need it, without having to wait. Give us a call at 336-281-0047 and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

The Typical Life-Span of a Furnace

Generally, the average life expectancy of furnaces is about 15 years. Because of the variables involved, some will last longer and others shorter. Of course, the life-span is based on a number of factors. First, each brand uses its own technology and design. Therefore, different makes and models have varying reliability and dependability ratings.

Furthermore, your environment will impact your system’s life expectancy. For example, if you have a coastal home, there is more moisture and salt in the air. Salt is highly corrosive while moisture will cause rusting of parts. Additionally, how you use your system affects its lifespan. If you like your temperatures outside of the recommended range, your system will be cycling more often. Cycling more often means more wear and tear on your system.

Moreover, failure to perform routine maintenance tasks can shorten the life of your system considerably. Even just neglecting to change your air filter on schedule can put a strain on your system. Finally, proper installation is crucial. An improperly installed system will not function correctly putting stress on the system. This leads to components wearing out faster and experiencing more breakdowns. At Aspire Heating & Cooling, our technicians are NATE-certified, so you’re assured of a quality installation.

Some Signs You Need a New System

Unfortunately, many people ignore the warning signs that it’s time to replace the furnace. Also. because it’s a large expense, many people put off buying a new furnace until it quits. Nonetheless, there are signs your system is failing. First, you may notice rising energy bills. Additionally, you may experience uneven heating or cooling in some rooms. And during the end of your furnace’s lifespan, you may have issues with indoor air quality. Humidity problems and excessive dust are just 2 of the potential IAQ issues.

Also, you should routinely check your unit for cracks and corrosion. And while near your unit, listen for any unfamiliar sounds. A squealing and screeching noise may be a clue that the blower may need adjustment. Other types of noises such as grinding or banging may indicate the need for either repair or replacement.

Definitely, if you notice your system cycling more frequently, you should have your system inspected. Both A/C units and furnaces can experience short cycling. Sometimes this just requires you to change the air filter. But other times it can indicate a more serious problem like a damaged igniter. Finally, a furnace will have the most breakdowns when it’s nearing the end of its life.

My Furnace Is Old but Working Great. Do I Really Need to Replace My Furnace?

While you may want to put off replacing your furnace, there are very good reasons for doing it now. Even if you haven’t experienced any problems, consider replacing your furnace if it’s 15 years or older. First, a new model will be more efficient than your old one. For example, prior to 2003, there were a few units that reached the efficiencies greater than 80%. Today many models reach the 98% benchmark. And an HVAC system with greater efficiency means more money in your pocket because of lower energy costs.

Plus, the older your furnace is, the more likely there will be leaks in the system. Leaks can release deadly carbon monoxide into your home. And if you have either a gas or oil furnace, you should be concerned about carbon monoxide. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 400 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year. Additionally, more than 20,000 people visit the hospital. Of these, over 4,000 require hospitalization from breathing in this poisonous gas.

What Determines the Cost of a New HVAC System?

Once you’ve decided to replace your furnace, you need to decide on the best one for your home. There are many good brands on the market with different models. Since your HVAC system uses an average of 48% of your home’s energy consumption, an energy-efficient unit is important. To check for efficiency, look at the BTUs and AFUE of each model. Chiefly, these 2 ratings along with the brand, model, and type of system determine the cost of a new furnace.

BTUs or British Thermal Units are a way to measure energy.  With heating systems, the BTU is the heat output of your unit. It’s critical that you buy a heating system with the correct BTU for your size home. Too small or too large a furnace will put unnecessary stress on the system leading to early failure. Certainly, a qualified HVAC technician should be able to make the correct recommendation.

Whereas AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures the system’s efficiency in converting fuel to energy. Generally, a higher AFUE means greater efficiency. While you might want to buy the unit with the greatest AFUE, there are other factors that affect efficiency. The location of the furnace, airflow speed, and number of stages all impact efficiency performance.

This is why a reputable HVAC company is so important. At Aspire Heating & Cooling, we’ll listen to your concerns while customizing our recommendations to your unique goals. Our team has the knowledge and experience with evolving technology meeting all code and safety standards. And because a new HVAC system is a big expense, we have financing options. Our financing can help you upgrade your system now and pay for it over time. Plus, we’re a Trane Factory Authorized Dealer.

What’s so Great about a Trane?

When shopping for a new furnace, you’ll find many different brands. There’s Lennox, Bryant, Rheem, and Carrier just to name a few. With so many brands of furnaces on the market, how do you choose the best? Certainly, reviews and awards are important in finding a reliable brand. And since 2015, Lifestory Research has named Trane America’s most trusted HVAC brand. For over 100 years, Trane has been building home comfort systems dedicated to quality, innovation, and reliability.

But Trane doesn’t just build heating and cooling systems. Trane tests its products in the most extreme conditions in nature. They put their products through 16 weeks of bone-chilling cold and blistering heat, in repeating two-week sessions. Some units endure more than 2,600 hours of continuous testing. This is done so you can enjoy an ideal home environment. That’s why we’re proud to be a Trane Authorized Dealer.

The Importance of Using Qualified Installers

While it’s important to be choosy with the HVAC brand you pick, equally important is the installation. In fact, Energy Star estimates that contractors incorrectly install as many as half of all HVAC systems. That’s a very large percentage! Moreover, improper installation can reduce the system’s efficiency by up to 30%. Not only will this result in higher energy bills, but it can also shorten your equipment’s life.

Although many contractors can install a furnace, not all do it well. Common problems include incorrect sizing of equipment, leaky ductwork, and restricted airflow. When you’re spending a large chunk of money on the equipment, don’t skimp on the installation. At Aspire Heating & Cooling, we employ fully-licensed, NATE-certified technicians.

NATE-certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated heating and cooling systems by passing a nationally recognized test. Moreover, NATE tests represent real-world working knowledge of HVAC systems validating the competency of service and installation technicians. With a NATE-certified technician, consumers are getting the best installation and service for maximum comfort and economy.

Ways to Prolong the Life of Your System

Certainly, an often-neglected task is changing the air filter. Yet it is one of the most important tasks to do to keep your system working properly. Clogged air filters are one of the top reasons for HVAC system failure. When you neglect to change your air filter, the blower fan has to work harder. At the very minimum, you should change your filter every 3 months. If you have pets or many people living in your home, you need to change it more often. Additionally, the type of filter you use will dictate how often you need to change it as well.

Another important task to prolong the life of your HVAC system is to perform regularly scheduled maintenance. Equipment with parts that are clean, lubricated, and adjusted enjoy a longer lifespan. Moreover, dirt and neglect are the top reasons for equipment inefficiency and failure.  Professionals recommend tune-ups twice a year, in the fall and spring.

At Aspire Heating & Cooling, we offer 2 levels of tune-up plans. Both comply with Energy Star recommendations and the American National Standards Institute. Our standard plan is only $149 and covers all the basics. We also have a premium plan for only $50 more than covers more components. Plus, it entitles you to priority scheduling and 15% of any necessary repairs.

How Long Do Furnaces Last for Most Homeowners?

Indoor comfort is important to your level of happiness. No one likes to freeze inside their home in the winter or sweat in the summer. Therefore, knowing how long do furnaces last can help you prepare for the future. And if you haven’t replaced your HVAC unit in 15 years, perhaps it’s time to start shopping. When looking for a quality HVAC system with superior installation, choose Aspire Heating & Cooling.

Of course, our technicians can provide you with an evaluation of your current system. We will never sell you a new system if your current one can last longer with minor repairs. A new system is necessary when the cost of repair will be better spent by putting it toward a new unit. We wouldn’t want you to spend a lot on a repair if the unit you have won’t last more than a few months.

At Aspire Heating & Cooling, we rely on state-of-the-art technology, and our extensive training to get the job done. Replacing your outdated system doesn’t have to be a costly, complicated, or disruptive process. We provide upfront service, honest pricing, and reliable solutions for your long-term peace of mind. Remember, we service all makes and models of heating options including gas and oil furnaces, ductless systems, and heat pumps.

So, give us a call at 336-281-0047 to sign up for one of our maintenance plans. Or ask us questions about replacing your furnace. We’re dedicated to comprehensive assessments and personalized solutions.