Gas Furnaces: Lifespan, Repair, and Replacements

Most homeowners take their major appliances for granted. One example is the furnace and its important heating function. You want your furnace to do its job, but you probably only spend a little time thinking about it or looking at how old it may be. You may be throwing money out the window and paying higher energy bills.

 

Understanding the Lifespan of a Furnace

Major appliances such as gas furnaces cannot continue working properly forever. A furnace’s lifespan is about 15 to 20 years. An oil furnace can last about 15 to 20 years, and an electric unit can function for 20 to 30 years. Older units could be more efficient because they lack modern furnaces’ advanced technology and components.

 

Older units often struggle to filter out dust and allergens, delivering poorer air quality and uneven heating. Ductwork can leak, and dirt and debris can enter your system. These are signs your furnace needs repair, and the cycle begins.

 

Signs of a Failing Furnace

Your furnace will “make it known” that it’s having issues. There are several signs your furnace needs repair. For instance, strange noises can suddenly be heard, including rumbling, squeals, or creaks. That can mean bolts need tightening, the blower motor is having issues, or the exhaust motor is failing.

 

Other common signs your furnace needs repair can appear in the color of the unit’s pilot light. The light should always look clear and bright blue. Yellow could mean a carbon monoxide leak.

 

Your home is taking forever to heat up and warm your rooms because your old furnace works harder to perform correctly. Or maybe your unit is short-cycling or turning on and off. The components could be worn out. These are all signs your furnace needs repair.

 

Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Furnace

Professional maintenance is the only way to ensure the function of a long-lasting furnace. Experts inspect these units with the proper tools and skills. They can examine the burner flames, vacuum out the burners and blower compartment, remove and clean the blower, change the furnace filter, blow the dust off the pilot, clean the flame sensor, inspect the unit’s drive belt, lubricate the bearings and adjust the dampers.

 

As a homeowner, you can inspect the thermostat and clean or replace the air filter. It’s important to be alert; if you notice something unusual, call the pros.

 

Upgrading Your Furnace

Today’s sleek units are an excellent homeowner’s investment. A furnace’s lifespan isn’t forever. Your old unit is costing you money and frequent repair visits. Modern furnaces deliver cleaner indoor air and cozy heat, lower your carbon footprint, and are compatible with smart thermostats.

 

Call us today at Thornton Heating Service for a professional maintenance check or a furnace upgrade. We take pride in our expertise and quality products. We’ve been serving the Chicagoland area for 65 years now, and we believe home is where the comfort is.