You might have an aging furnace and be wondering how long it will be before you have to replace it. You might have purchased your home with the furnace already in it, and be curious about what to expect. Or you might be looking at new furnaces, seeing the variety of options, and asking yourself, How long will each of these last?
Regardless of your situation, having more information is always better. The more you know, the more you can prepare for the future. We’ve got the scoop for you: not just how long different types of furnaces last, but also what you can do to help them last as long as possible.
Gas Furnaces
These are a pretty standard type of heating appliance, so a lot of people are already familiar with them. They’re popular because natural gas is an accessible fuel which tends to be less expensive than electricity. In general, they won’t last much beyond 15 years. This is because part of their combustion process involves creating condensation. The condensation is about as acidic as soda, and if you have seen any of those experiments that involve dissolving a chicken bone in soda, you can see why this condensation might gradually result in the furnace rusting. To understand more about potential risks with gas furnaces, check out what you should know about your gas furnace heat exchanger.
Electric Furnaces
While electricity is usually a slightly more expensive fuel than natural gas, it might be your cheapest choice if you have solar panels. Or, if you’re not in a place where you can have your home connected to a local natural gas supplier’s line, an electric furnace might be preferable to having to get a fuel tank filled regularly.
Even if you do end up spending more to run your electric furnace, that investment might balance out. An electric furnace will last longer than a gas furnace, generally 20 years or so. This means it will be longer before you have to pay for a replacement.
Heat Pumps
Perhaps you plan to stick with a furnace, but we’d just like to give you a tiny bit of info about heat pumps as well. They generally last 10–15 years, can provide most or all of the heat you’ll require at a fraction of the energy cost, and also function as air conditioning systems. If you’re debating between these systems, learn the differences between heat pump and AC repair for better insight.
How to Maximize Your Heating System’s Lifespan
There are two main ways to keep your furnace running well. The first thing you can do yourself: change the air filter. This should be done monthly during the winter, and when your furnace is used only occasionally in spring and fall, it should be done every three months. The second thing is to have professional maintenance done annually.
Annual maintenance will boost your furnace’s efficiency, help it work as effectively as possible, cut down on the wear and tear which leads to most breakdowns and repair needs, and even keep your furnace under warranty. But without any maintenance at all, your furnace will fail much sooner. In fact, total lack of maintenance can cut those lifespan estimates in half. If you haven’t already, learn why professional HVAC installation is important to ensure your system is set up for success from the start.
If you’d like to discuss your heating system options, or schedule annual maintenance or any other heater service in Cumming, GA, we would be happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long do different types of furnaces typically last?
Answer: Natural gas furnaces generally last up to about 15 years due to metal corrosion from acidic condensation, while electric furnaces typically last around 20 years. Heat pumps, though not exactly furnaces, often last between 10 and 15 years.
Question: What can I do to make my heating system last as long as possible?
Answer: Changing the air filter regularly, monthly during winter and every three months during milder seasons, is essential. You should also schedule professional maintenance once a year to keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Question: What could happen if I skip maintenance on my furnace?
Answer: Neglecting maintenance can significantly reduce your furnace’s expected lifespan, potentially even cutting it in half. Regular professional tune-ups help avoid early system failure.
Question: How do furnace lifespans compare across sources?
Answer: Industry-wide data show:
- Gas furnaces: approximately 15–20 years
- Electric furnaces: around 20–30 years
- Oil furnaces: 15–25 years
- A well-maintained furnace can sometimes even reach 30 years.
To speak with a member of our team, contact DC Cheek Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today. Fixed, At the Speed of Life!
