How Long Do Furnaces Last?

Factors Impacting the Lifespan of a Furnace

Winters in the greater Grand Rapids area are snowy and cold, with average lows in the teens on our frosty nights. In the face of a coming winter, you may find yourself wondering how many more years of reliable service you can get out of your furnace. While a quality furnace can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, the larger context of your own furnace’s usage and servicing will have a big effect on its lifespan.

In this blog, our heating experts at Schaafsma Heating & Cooling cover the various factors that can impact your furnace’s lifespan.

Factors Influencing the Lifespan of a Furnace

Furnace Model

The factors you consider when investing in a furnace, like the durability of its materials or the technology of its design, will affect how it stands up against years of use. Investing a little more when buying a furnace can save you money over the course of your furnace’s life.

Quality of Installation

Even if you’re working with a high-quality furnace, installing it incorrectly can strain your unit’s performance or cause damage to its components. A professional installation from trained HVAC technicians is necessary to ensure your furnace continues to work well.

Usage

How often you use your furnace and how hard you ask it to work will impact its performance over time. Take advantage of less severe stretches of our Grand Rapids winters by easing up on your heat consumption, as this can set your system up for a longer life.

Maintenance 

One of the biggest ways you can influence the longevity of your furnace is by scheduling regular maintenance. Professional inspections and tune-ups reduce the strain on your system and allow our technicians to catch small problems before they have a chance to cause long-term damage. Replacing your filters, keeping your unit clean, and staying on top of annual checkups keep your furnace in good condition.

Tips for Making Your Furnace Last Longer

There’s a lot you can do to influence the long-term performance of your furnace. Take these steps to keep your furnace in good shape:

• Change the air filter: Clean filters put less strain on your furnace and help it operate more efficiently. Don’t let your filter get dirty and clogged.
• Watch flames: When your furnace flame is blue, that means it’s burning efficiently. If you notice a yellow flame or one that flickers as it burns, your furnace may be having problems.
• Clear vents: Keeping your vents and chimney clear of debris helps keep your furnace strong. Look for holes or damage in your vents that need to be addressed.
• Thermostat: Watch the functions, including fan speed, and settings on your thermostat to ensure they are working correctly.
• Professional maintenance: Schedule maintenance annually to keep your furnace in good working condition.

When To Replace Your Furnace

Even a great furnace will start to wear out eventually. If you start to recognize these signs, it’s time to begin planning for a replacement:

• Rising energy costs: As your furnace begins to work less efficiently, it uses more power to perform the same functions, leading to increases in your energy bills.
• Inefficient heating: An aging furnace may begin struggling to keep your home as warm as it once did.
• Uneven heating: Similarly, if your home has cold spots or inconsistent temperatures from room to room, it’s an indication that your furnace is in decline.
• Worsening indoor air quality: As a furnace slowly breaks down, it can begin causing the quality of air in your home to deteriorate, which may result in changes in your respiratory health.

Choose Schaafsma for Your Furnace Needs

From installation to maintenance and repair, the lifespan of your furnace can be greatly affected by the professional care you choose to keep it running. Schaafsma Heating & Cooling has provided expert furnace services since 1905, and we are committed to taking care of Grand Rapids homes. Our thorough, friendly service earns us consistently stellar reviews, and we make it easy to get started with great deals.

Set up your furnace for years of great performance! Contact us today to schedule furnace services in Grand Rapids or the surrounding areas.