As reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
Most furnaces kick on and off between three to eight times an hour, depending on things like outdoor air temperatures, the furnace's age, and how much insulation you have. That's why, instead of asking how often a furnace should cycle, it's best to stay alert to changes in how your furnace is running.
How long does a traditional furnace last? An average furnace is designed to operate for 15 to 30 years in a home. The easiest way to increase the life cycle of your furnace is to hire a certified technician to perform maintenance and repairs once a year.
You should be concerned if your furnace makes strange noises, blows cold air, cycles on and off frequently, or significantly increases your heating bills. Also, if it's over 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it.
If the flame sensor fails, your furnace may not be able to start or may shut down shortly after starting. Common causes of flame sensor failure include corrosion, dirt buildup, or a broken wire. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If the gas valve fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat.
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.
The average gas furnace lifespan is 15 to 20 years. They can last longer, and they can fail earlier, depending on the quality of the unit to begin with, proper installation, and how well they've been maintained.
For starters, HVAC repair experts confirm that any furnace that has been in use for 20 years is nearing the end of its lifespan. The components of a 20-year-old furnace suffer a lot of wear and tear over the years. The aging process plays a significant role in lowering the efficiency of the furnace.
If the time between cycles is less than five minutes, the furnace is most likely short-cycling. Heating cycles that run for shorter periods of time produce more frequent heating cycles. Depending on the outside temperature and how well-insulated your home is, these short cycles may occur five to eight times per hour.
During the coldest days in winter, it is normal for a furnace to run almost constantly to keep the home warm. As long as the furnace is running efficiently and not making strange noises, the constant operation is likely nothing to worry about. But in general, your furnace should not constantly be running.
If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.
Modern furnaces have safety features, including a flame rollout switch, a high-temperature limit switch and furnace flame sensors to help keep your home safe.
A dirty furnace burner can lead to clogs that may cause this gas to back up into your home. Fire Hazards - A dirty burner is one that is more at risk of catching fire. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help you prevent a fire that could have tragic consequences for you and your family.
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.
Pilot flame color changes
A yellow flame is a clear sign that the gas is not burning properly. Dirty or partially blocked systems can produce this. It's also another sign that a call to your trusted HVAC contractor is needed to save money and keep you a bit safer.
Check and Change Your Clogged Filter
This is a simple but essential part of furnace maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It also happens to be the easiest maintenance chore.
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.
Your base homeowners policy will cover many types of damage to your furnace. An extra endorsement known as Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) will give you additional coverage for certain types of mechanical or electrical failure.
All modern furnaces have a furnace limit switch. The switch, which works in tandem with the blower to ensure the appliance is at a safe temperature, will turn off the burners if the temperature gets too hot, only letting them start again when it's safe to do so.
Check the thermostat settings.
The furnace will not come on unless the ambient temperature drops below the setpoint. To test the furnace, temporarily set the thermostat five to ten degrees higher than you normally would to see if it comes on, then return the thermostat to its normal setting when the test is complete.
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.