What is the average life of a new furnace?

Author: Dario Macejkovic  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the average lifespan of standard heating systems is as follows: Furnaces: 15-30 years. Boilers: 15-30 years.

Can a furnace last 30 years?

Yes, furnaces can last up to 30 years, particularly high-quality models with proper maintenance. Factors like regular servicing, timely repairs, and appropriate usage significantly impact their lifespan.

Should I replace a 20 year old furnace?

Older furnaces need annual check ups. Main thing is the heat exchanger getting a crack, which could lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisioning. 20 years is a good time to start considering a new one but not essential, if the tech that comes to clean the burners sees an issue they will point it out to you.

How often do furnaces need to be replaced?

The typical lifespan of a furnace can be anywhere from 15 to 30 years. If you've had your furnace for less than 15 years, you likely don't have to worry about replacing it any time soon. But if it's older than 15 years and you've started noticing problems, it may be on its last leg.

How much should I expect to spend on a new furnace?

Electric furnace installation tends to be the least expensive, ranging between $3,000 and $7,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Installing a natural gas furnace falls in the range of $3,800 to $10,000, and an oil furnace ranges $6,750 to $10,0000.

Average Life Expectancy of a Furnace

What time of year is cheapest to replace furnace?

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.

Which brand of furnace is most reliable?

The 5 Best Furnace Brands
  • Carrier Furnace: Best Warranty.
  • Lennox Furnace: Best Company Reputation.
  • Bryant Furnace: Best for Durability.
  • Trane Furnace: Most Years of Experience.
  • Amana Furnace: Best for Efficiency.

How to tell if a furnace needs replacing?

8 Telltale Signs Its Time To Replace Your Furnace
  1. The Age of Your System. ...
  2. Rising Energy Bills. ...
  3. Excessive Dust, Dirt, Soot or Rust Particles. ...
  4. Home Humidity Problems. ...
  5. Rooms are Heating Unevenly. ...
  6. Furnace Becomes Unusually Noisy or Develops Rattles, Buzzes or Hums. ...
  7. Furnace Has Visible Signs of Rust or Cracks in or Around System.

Why is replacing a furnace so expensive?

Installation Entails More than Just the Furnace

For a gas-powered furnace, a contractor must set up a gas connection and vent. Installing an electric furnace requires running wiring, adding a circuit breaker, or perhaps updating an electrical panel. Holes are often drilled for pipes and wires.

How many hours does it take to install a new furnace?

4-8 hours. Furnace installation in a residential home usually takes 4-8 hours, depending on the complexity of the job. Additional time may need to be added to account for ductwork, electrical, or gas line modifications to properly match the new equipment.

What is the most expensive part to replace in a furnace?

A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.

Is it cheaper to replace furnace in summer?

You will save a lot of money.

The cost of many heating units can be lower in the summer because they are not in high demand. Also, many manufacturers offer additional rebates and discounts for purchasing new heating systems in the warmer months so they can move their inventory.

Is it better to oversize or undersize a furnace?

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.

How often should you change your furnace filter?

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.

How much is a furnace for a 1500 square foot house?

Understanding Total Costs

Gas Furnace: $3,000 – $6,000. Electric Furnace: $2,500 – $5,000. Oil Furnace: $4,000 – $8,000.

Does homeowners insurance pay for new furnace?

A standard policy typically won't cover the cost to replace your furnace if there was a mechanical problem, but you may be able to add an equipment breakdown endorsement for an additional cost that may provide coverage.

How much should I spend on a new furnace?

To give you some idea on what to expect, a new furnace may cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000.

What is a common failure for a furnace?

One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running. This will cause your thermostat battery to run, and cause your furnace to work inefficiently.

How often does a furnace need to be serviced?

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.

Do you need to replace thermostat when replacing furnace?

Because, like your HVAC system thermostats age, it is a good idea to schedule a home thermostat replacement when you upgrade your HVAC system. By replacing your thermostat with your HVAC system you can make sure that your new thermostat is configured properly to your ideal temperature settings.

What is the most expensive repair on a furnace?

The most expensive repair on a furnace is replacing the heat exchanger, blower motor, or draft inducer motor. The cost to replace the heat exchanger or blower motor is around $2,000. Replacing a draft inducer motor costs just over $1,000.

What brand of furnace is the quietest?

Top Quiet Furnace Brands
  • Trane. Trane is widely regarded as one of the top brands when it comes to quiet operation. ...
  • Carrier. Carrier is another leading furnace brand that prioritizes quiet operation. ...
  • Lennox. Lennox is known for its energy-efficient models, but it also excels in noise reduction. ...
  • Rheem. ...
  • Amana.

What is the most common residential furnace?

Understanding the Main Types of Furnaces

Today, the most common type of furnace in a home is the natural gas furnace, which utilizes gas via a pipe into the home from a municipal line.

Previous article
Can warped hardwood floors be repaired?
Next article
How often should I deep clean my couch?