7 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace

We all want our heating and cooling systems to last as long as possible to avoid premature replacement costs. So, how can you maximize the lifespan of your HVAC system? HVAC.com offers tips for extending the life of your furnace to help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

How Long Do Furnaces Last?

Several factors help determine how long a furnace lasts, including its brand, the climate you live in, and the system’s maintenance history. On average, though, most gas furnaces have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. Meanwhile, electric furnaces typically last about 20-30 years.

How to Prolong the Service Life of Your Furnace

1. Regular Maintenance

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is true whether you’re talking about caring for your car, electrical system, and, in this case, your HVAC equipment. Ensuring your heating system – whether it’s a gas furnace, heat pump, or boiler – is regularly tuned-up by a professional is the easiest way to extend the lifespan of your furnace.

Having your furnace tuned-up each fall before the arrival of cold weather ensures all components are working properly and no parts need to be repaired or replaced. Performing these tasks in the fall will help prevent a complete system breakdown on one of the coldest days of the year.

So, what’s included in a furnace maintenance checklist? Furnace maintenance typically includes cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting the burners and heat exchanger, and checking the thermostat and electrical components. Technicians may also lubricate moving parts, test the ignition system, and ensure overall system efficiency to prevent breakdowns and enhance safety.

2. Replace Air Filters Regularly

Although a professional HVAC technician will cover everything during an annual furnace tune-up and inspection, there’s one critical task you should perform on your own – change your furnace filter. Depending on the type of filter, its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, and the conditions in your household, filters should typically be changed about every 1-3 months. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your HVAC filters every month and replace them as needed.

Replacing a filter is a simple task, but it’s often overlooked by busy homeowners. Although it may not seem like a big deal, clogged and dirty air filters can lead to significant issues over time. Clogged filters restrict airflow into your furnace, potentially leading to higher energy costs, system failure, increased wear and tear on critical components, and a shorter overall lifespan.

To keep your gas furnace humming along for years to come, ensure you change its air filters on a regular basis.

3. Don’t Delay Making Furnace Repairs

Is your furnace making strange noises, short cycling, or running inefficiently, leading to high energy bills? As long as it’s still heating your home, it can be tempting to put off needed repairs. However, the longer you wait, the more damage can occur, leading to expensive repairs or complete replacement. If you want your furnace to last for 20 years, contact a qualified HVAC technician at the first sign of trouble.

4. Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you’re still using a manual thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. Packed with impressive features, these newer models also allow you to pre-set the temperature based on the time and day. For example, during the heating season, you can pre-set your thermostat to 62 degrees during the day while you’re at work and have it switch back to 68 degrees in the evening while you’re home.

Aside from saving money on your utility bills, running your HVAC system less frequently will decrease system wear and tear to help extend the life of your heating equipment.

5. Repair Duct Leaks

It’s estimated that as much as 30% of the heated air from your furnace is lost through duct leaks. Air duct leaks can significantly drive up your energy costs – leading to higher utility bills – and cause your system to work harder to meet the desired temperature. This, in turn, causes your furnace to run longer cycles which can reduce its overall lifespan.

While sealing air ducts is a task that can be performed using DIY methods, consider contacting a professional to assess the overall condition of your ductwork. They have the necessary tools and know-how to pinpoint the location of the leaks and make the appropriate repairs.

6. Add Insulation

Adding insulation to your home, particularly in the attic, is a great way to reduce heat loss, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature throughout your home. Adequate insulation means your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm, which can lead to reduced energy bills. Additionally, less strain on the furnace extends its lifespan, minimizing the need for costly repairs or early replacement.

7. Use Ceiling Fans

While it may seem counterproductive to use a ceiling fan during the colder months, turning the direction of the fan from counterclockwise to clockwise at a low speed can bring down warm, comfy air that has gathered on the ceilings. This will make the room feel warmer without needing to adjust the thermostat. Just be sure to turn off ceiling fans in rooms nobody is using so you don’t waste electricity.