Determining the Right Time to Replace Your Furnace

If you are on this website, something has brought you to consider the lifespan of your HVAC system. Perhaps a recent expensive repair bill arrived or you hear a new noise when the heat comes on. It reminded you that, like every mechanical system, your furnace will need to be replaced someday. Thinking about it now will give you some time to prepare for replacing your heating and air conditioning system since an emergency replacement is generally expensive and inconvenient.

Most of the available information about furnace replacement is written by manufacturers and installers, like Mullinix. While we endeavor to give you the best and most accurate information at hand, you might question the source, since we also hope to install your new furnace. Even the Department of Energy has an agenda different than yours when they offer information concerning furnace lifespan. Their agenda certainly does not consider your family’s budget. In this article, we will try to give you enough information to help you make a decision that meets your need.

How Long Do Furnaces Last?

Online information is very fluid concerning this question: you will see 15-20 years, 20-25 years, and even 25-30 years. No one can guaranty how long your furnace will last; we are left with some statistical generalities. Here it is: if your furnace is approaching 20 years of service life it is time to prepare for an eventual replacement. HVAC systems are a major purchase—take advantage of the advance notice.

What Leads to a Shortened Lifespan?

While no one can guaranty how long your furnace will last, we can tell what cuts into serviceable time.

• Environmental conditions such as salt and moisture will lead to rust and corrosion in HVAC components. Prevent these conditions and repair them whenever possible to extend service life.
• An improperly sized system will wear out quickly.
  • If the HVAC system is too large, it will heat or cool very quickly and shut off. Not only does the rapid cycling wear on electrical parts, but the rapid cycle results in less comfort than desired.
  • On the other hand, a system that is too small struggles to reach the desired temperature, even though it cycles long. Not only will it wear out quickly, but in the cooling season, an undersized system struggles to remove moisture.
• Poor maintenance will shorten the lifespan of your furnace. That includes when the air filter is not changed regularly, dust accumulates on electrical components, or small repairs are neglected. Maintaining your HVAC system is the most effective thing you can do to lengthen its lifespan.

What Lengthens HVAC Lifespan?

Not only can we tell what shortens serviceable time, but we can also tell what lengthens service life:

• Start with quality:
  • Selecting quality products makes a difference with every decision, and purchasing a key mechanical system to service your home is no different.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy says that improper installation of your HVAC system will reduce efficiency by 30% and will lead to premature failures. Make sure your HVAC professionals have the experience and training needed to properly install your system.
• We cannot stress the importance of regular maintenance of your system. A technician will clean interior parts, inspect the electrical and mechanical parts for efficient, proper function, and perform small repairs as needed. This keeps your furnace and air conditioner in good working order, whether it is an old or new system.
• Do your part by changing the air filter at least every three months.

Further Replacement Considerations

It might be time to replace your system if your system is 20 years old and:

• You are facing expensive repairs or the replacement of expensive components. If you need to replace an air conditioning compressor or furnace heat exchange, the replacement cost might high enough that system replacement might be a wiser choice.
• You are facing repeated repairs at inconvenient times.
• Your utility bill has risen sharply or the furnace/air conditioner is tripping the breaker.
• You are also planning a major remodel or room addition.

Have questions about replacing your furnace?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and furnace replacement, schedule an appointment, or visit our New AC Installation information page.