The majority of modern furnaces, no matter how they are powered in your home, were designed to be especially safe during high usage periods. Thanks to updated furnace technology and built-in features, all
Pilot lights had two disadvantages: They wasted energy throughout the heating season. A standing pilot light must remain lit so the furnace can come on whenever it needs to, so the light continues to consume natural gas through the season even when the heater isn't running.
To better regulate temperatures and airflow, modern furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces. The air that comes out of your furnace registers may not seem as warm as the air from your old furnace, but overall airflow is improved. Better airflow means higher comfort.
By 2030, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has banned the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters. This is an effort to push homeowners toward zero-emissions alternatives like electric furnaces, heat pumps, and electric water heaters. This initiative shows California's commitment to combating climate change.
Besides gas leaks, an unmaintained gas furnace can also become a serious fire hazard. Any broken or malfunctioning parts will not work properly and may ignite. If dust and dirt is allowed to build up in the unit, the debris can catch fire.
Symptoms of Heater Sickness
Here are a few common symptoms to keep an eye out for: Coughing and sneezing. Sinus infections. Allergy symptoms.
Replacing a 20-year-old gas furnace is typically a wise investment. In a country with diverse climates and heating needs, the benefits of a modern, energy-efficient furnace are manifold.
California is moving to become the first U.S. state to phase out gas-fueled furnaces and water heaters in homes. Los Angeles and several other California cities have passed bans on a wider range of natural gas appliances in new construction, including stoves.
Electric heating systems often boast higher energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills. Compared to using a gas furnace, a heat pump can lower your energy costs by at least 50%. Pollutants released when a gas furnace is turned on can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms and cause respiratory problems.
Are old furnaces dangerous? Unfortunately, yes. Since many old models run on oil or gas, there's always the risk of their fuel catching fire or leaking into your home. If left unaddressed, such malfunctions can be life-threatening.
For people taking a proactive approach, doing a furnace replacement during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and autumn may offer lower prices, shorter lead times, and a better selection of products and service appointment availability.
One of the main ways that energy-efficient furnaces save you money is by reducing your monthly utility bills. Older furnaces tend to be less efficient, meaning they consume more energy to produce the same amount of heat. This translates to higher energy bills month after month.
Lack of Routine Maintenance
When you ignore recommended maintenance, dirty buildup on heat exchangers, burners, fan blades can reduce you're the life of your furnace in a number of ways: Restricted airflow from dirty filters can make the system work harder. Imbalanced fans can affect the life of motors.
Newer gas furnaces (since about 2010) do not have a traditional pilot light that burns all the time. Instead they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed. Constant flame or “standing pilot” heating systems are still fairly common in older homes, and they can still be repaired in most cases.
One of the most common causes of a furnace shutting off unexpectedly is low airflow. If your furnace keeps turning off, check for issues such as: Dirty Air Filters. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat.
Aren't gas furnaces potentially hazardous? Yes—but safety standards are so strict today that there's little danger. In fact, natural gas burns cleaner than other heating fuels and this means fewer harmful emissions.
A lot can happen between now and then. Note, however, that Los Angeles recently voted a gas appliance ban for new construction, requiring electric stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and clothes dryers. Similarly, San Francisco regulators approved a ban on new home furnaces and water heaters that rely on gas fuel.
Fossil gas power generation needs to be almost completely phased out by 2040. This phase-out needs to be front-loaded. In 1.5°C compatible pathways, fossil gas use falls to 5-7% of total global electricity generation by 2030.
Average Furnace Lifespan
Although some furnaces can last more than 40 years (extremely rare), the average life of a furnace is around 15 to 30 years. As long as you have scheduled annual furnace maintenance, it should easily last over 15 years. Just like your car, your older furnace may need some basic repairs.
Even a slightly undersized furnace will accomplish the job the majority of the time. Taking things down a few sizes will more than likely solve some of your common heating problems like too high of a utility bill while half of your house is blazing and the other half is an icebox.
While high-efficiency furnaces with an AFUE of 96% or more cost between $2,000 and $6,000, standard-efficiency units with an AFUE of 80% to 89% are priced from $500 to $1,500. Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace with a higher AFUE rating can lead to significant energy cost savings.
It is important for homeowners to know how furnaces vent and produce toxic fumes: When the burners light up, heat is generated—a lot of it. The natural gas burns and then releases toxic chemicals. This can be dangerous if passed into the home where people can inhale them.