Even the most efficient
HVAC systems generally have a lifespan of 10-15 years, depending on how well they are maintained. If your system is approaching or has passed the 10-year mark, it's a good idea to start planning for a replacement.
The average furnace is built to last around 15 years in total before being replaced. This is because over time, much like any electrical or mechanical system, your furnace will become less efficient and may break down.
An old furnace can have a significant impact on your utility bill, leading to higher energy costs, increased repair expenses, and inconsistent heating.
Technological advancements have made newer furnaces much more energy-efficient. If your furnace is 20 years old, it's likely operating with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating significantly lower than modern models.
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.
Furnaces today can heat your home much more evenly and efficiently than older furnaces. One way that they have been able to achieve these improvements is by blowing more air over the heat exchanger.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
While furnaces can last longer with proper maintenance, they often become less efficient and more prone to breakdowns as they age. Repairing a 15-year-old furnace can provide a temporary solution, but it may be a better long-term investment to consider replacing it.
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.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
While higher-efficiency furnaces tend to cost more upfront, they allow homeowners to save money on heating costs every year.
You'll be looking at a different cost depending on the location of the furnace, the size of your home, and the type of furnace. But the average cost per unit can range anywhere from $2,672 - $6,575. The national average is $4,820 - $9,350 for a full furnace installation.
There are three primary types of furnaces: Gas furnaces have the shortest lifespan, at 15 to 20 years. Electric furnaces last 20 and 25 years on average. Boilers last 15 to 25 years, depending on the type and radiator equipment.
Ideally, you would have your furnace serviced at least once a year. To elaborate on that point, you should have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any problems early on and to keep your furnace in top condition. Professional maintenance and cleaning provide many benefits, which we'll cover next.
For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
Most gas furnaces start to decline in efficiency once they hit the ten-year mark. Although a well-maintained gas furnace can last up to 20 years, they won't heat your home as well as a newer model and are more prone to breaking down.
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.
The 95% AFUE Furnace
A 95% furnace uses sealed combustion—it pulls its needed air directly from the outdoors, generally through a PVC pipe exclusively for this purpose. It will also require an additional PVC pipe for exhaust, as it can't work with your existing metal venting due to the condensation it creates.
Check all the vents in your home and make sure they are fully open and unobstructed in the rooms you want heated. If they are blocked or covered with large furniture like couches or beds, the heat will be absorbed into upholstery, leaving the rooms cold.
A two-decade-old heating system has likely served you well, but it may be showing signs of wear and have increased repair needs. Replacing a 20-year-old furnace is often a wise decision, as newer models offer improved energy efficiency, better performance, and lower operating costs.