The Lifespan of a Furnace

Amongst various components of your heating system, the furnace is a major contributor. A furnace is responsible for generating heat and distributing the hot air around the house, through ducts. A furnace runs on either electricity or fuel, making it prone to failures and damages. 

An exact lifespan of a furnace cannot be determined as the furnaces are exposed to several factors that can either diminish or increase its lifespan. With proper furnace repair in Palo Alto, the durability of the furnace relatively increases and reduces your energy bills. 

Signs like frequent repairs, spiking energy bills, and cold air from the furnace indicate that your furnace has reached its end. In such a case, you must consider scheduling a furnace replacement in San Jose to avoid inconveniences during winter. Some people consider replacing the furnace right after their warranty is exhausted. 

Factors Affecting the Life Expectancy of a Furnace

Multiple factors affect furnace life expectancy. These factors cause different furnaces to differ in function and thus in life expectancy. The factors are the following:

  • Neglect in Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the furnace helps keep your furnace away from failures and keeps it running faultlessly. Maintenance helps extended the life of the furnace and enhance its performance. Ensure to book a maintenance service for your furnace now and then. 
  • Inaccurate Size of the Furnace: If the size of your furnace is incorrect, compared to the size of the heating system it is installed in, the furnace becomes inefficient. The lifespan of the furnace potentially decreases. 
  • Improper thermostat settings: A thermostat that is set at a temperature either too high or low can affect the furnace. It shortens the lifetime of the furnace and damages the system. The ideal temperature for your furnace is between 60⁰ and 80⁰ Fahrenheit.
  • Sloppy Furnace Installation: A messy installation that is poorly sized, designed and sealed with inferior ductwork, your furnace will end up breaking down frequently. This in turn decreases the life of your furnace. So it’s better to get your heater installation in San Jose  by our team of experts.

Average Lifespan of a Furnace

As an exact number is not available to determine how long a furnace should last, the average lifespan of a furnace can be considered. The average lifespan of most furnaces ranges between 15-30 years. If you indulge in proper maintenance and repairs for your furnace, it will easily last over 15 years. 

Other than regular maintenance, To increase the lifespan of your furnace, you can undertake the following habits:

  • Check the furnace filters for any dust or debris and keep it clean always
  • Ensure that the heat exchanger, filters, and motors are free from any dust, debris, or dirt. 
  • Consider including a heat pump with your furnace, instead of an air conditioner, while installing a new heating system. This enables a dual-fuel system, reducing the load on the furnace. 

A furnace will be able to live up to its life expectancy only if it is kept in a good condition. Malibu Heating & Air, a professional HVAC company, offers exceptional furnace services. To book a furnace repair in Palo Altocall us on (408) 847-6533 today!