Like all things, furnaces don’t last forever. Over time, your furnace will become less efficient and reliable. However, there are some steps you can take to extend your furnace’s life and get the most out of it. But how long can a furnace last even under the best circumstances?
Here at Mission AC & Plumbing, we are experts when it comes to furnaces. Here’s how long you can expect your furnace to last.
What’s the Difference Between My AC System and My Furnace? Will One Last Longer Than the Other?
While both your AC system and furnace seek to make your home more comfortable by controlling the temperature, they function differently from one another. Your AC system is controlled by a thermostat, usually in the living room, and works to both heat and cool your home. The thermostat can also automatically detect the rise and fall of the temperature in your home and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Your furnace, on the other hand, is controlled by a thermostat found on the furnace itself. While the furnace’s thermostat will detect the temperature and adjust accordingly, it only detects the temperature in a single room. Furnaces are also primarily used for heating a home rather than cooling it.
In general, your furnace should last longer than your AC system, but many factors can affect this. If you live in a particularly humid climate, your furnace may not last as long as your AC system. This is because furnaces can rust very easily.
How Long Will My Furnace Last?
How long your furnace is going to last is going to come to how much you maintain it. Most furnaces will last between 15 and 30 years. In some rare cases, they can even last up to 40 years. If you want to make sure your furnace gets closer to that 30-year mark, then you will have to take steps to take care of it.
Frequently change your furnace’s air filters to make sure it can send air through your home properly. Don’t forget to change the other air filters in your home as well. Once they become full of dust, your furnace will have a much harder time heating your home, making it work harder. Be sure to clean the soot out of your furnace frequently so the furnace doesn’t become too dirty. Lastly, make sure to schedule yearly tune-ups and inspections for your furnace. These inspections allow technicians to find any small problems and fix them before they become bigger and more costly issues.
What Are Some Red Flags I Should Look Out For?
If your furnace ever starts to have trouble running properly, it will probably give you a few warning signs something is wrong. Here are some red flags you should look out for.
Strange Smell
If you are turning your furnace on for the first time in a while, you will probably smell something strange. In most cases, it’s just burning dust. However, if the smell lasts more than just a couple of days, you should contact an HVAC specialist to investigate the issue further.
Higher Energy Bills
If you ever notice your energy bill is much higher than normal, it could be from your furnace. As furnaces get older, they start to become less efficient. The higher energy bill could be a sign your furnace just isn’t working as well as it once was.
Your Furnace Is Over 15 Years Old
Once your furnace reaches about 15 years old, you will likely start to have more and more issues with it. While a lot of problems can be fixed by professionals, sometimes the best option is to upgrade to a new furnace.
If you are ready to schedule your furnace tune-up, then contact Mission AC & Plumbing today. Not only can we tune-up your AC system, but we can also make any necessary repairs or help you install a new system.
If you’re in Houston, schedule an appointment today!
