“How often do furnaces need to be replaced?” is a question often asked of HVAC technicians, and although it seems like a simple question, the answer is rather complicated. There are many determining factors in figuring out the longevity of a furnace, and the truth of the matter is that there is no way to know. HVAC technicians and manufacturers can give recommendations and the rest is up to you.
Furnaces should be replaced when they get too expensive from yearly repairs or after they reach a certain lifespan. Read on to find the information you need so you’ll know how often a furnace should be replaced.
Do Furnaces Need to Be Replaced?
Furnaces should be replaced when they become problematic. Your furnace may be producing sound, but you’ve just become used to it over the years. Secretly, your furnace may be working harder than ever before. Sure your utility bills may have increased, but that’s just the weird weather, right? Not necessarily.
Signs It’s “Time” for Your Furnace
It’s time to take a deeper look into your furnace and find out how healthy it really is. Here are a few signs it’s time to replace your furnace.
Odd Noises
If you hear noises coming from the vents only when your furnace is on then it’s probably your furnace groaning for repairs or replacement. Typical noises include:
- Popping
- Rattling
- Humming
- Screeching
These noises indicate something is wrong with your blower motor, ducts, or some other part of your furnace. You may think it’s a normal noise, but it’s actually telling you it needs help. If the problem is your blower motor, it could be almost as costly to fix the blower motor as it is to purchase a new unit.
Increased Energy Bill
A furnace works at optimum efficiency for about ten years. After that point, it begins to struggle to perform as well as it used to. This efficiency “life” is also dependent on if the unit has had its yearly maintenance. The more a unit struggles, the more electricity it requires, affecting your utility bill.
Yearly Repairs
If you need to repair your furnace every year, you’re only putting a band-aid on the real problem. Repairs can get expensive, and too many of them are a sign of eventual furnace failure. It’s always better to replace your furnace before it stops completely and leaves you shivering during the coldest months of the year.
How Often Does a Furnace Need to Be Replaced?
The critical word here is “need.” Your furnace needs to be replaced when it doesn’t work any longer, but the real question is, “should you replace a furnace before it breaks?” And the answer is yes. Replace a furnace that breaks down often, costs too much in repairs, or is too old to be effective.
How Efficient Is a 20-Year-Old Furnace?
A properly maintained furnace can last 12 to 15 years, but its efficiency will continue to drop. A 40-year-old furnace may still function, but it isn’t going to be effective. One thing to remember is that furnace technology advances every 10 to 15 years, so a 20-year-old furnace will not perform the same way a new furnace can.
The average life of furnaces and air conditioners is 15 to 20 years, but that number is how long they’re expected to last, not how long they will remain efficient. Your unit may live past the predetermined furnace life expectancy, but that only means it could stop working at any time.
With all that said, there is a difference between gas and electrical furnaces.
How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?
Gas furnaces last 10 to 20 years. After the 15-year mark, these systems start to become inefficient and even unsafe, requiring replacement.
How Long Does an Electric Furnace Last?
Electric furnaces actually last almost twice as long as gas furnaces, or 20 to 30 years. However, it’s important to point out that the average lifespan is still around the 15-year mark due to improper maintenance.
How Often Do Furnace Filters Need to Be Replaced?
Furnace filters need replacements every one to six months. You can buy filters that last one, three, or six months, but it also depends on how often you run your furnace and if you have pets. Pet dander, dust, and dirt decrease a filter’s lifespan. So check the filter halfway through its lifespan to verify it doesn’t need changing early.
Where to Get Your Furnace Replaced in Keller, TX
JAK Services has provided furnace installation and replacement services to Keller, TX, and the surrounding Fort Worth areas for nearly 20 years. Known for our integrity, honesty, and fair pricing, it’s no wonder we’ve become Keller’s number one pick for HVAC services. Give us a call if you need a replacement or advice!