Posts in category: Furnace Services

Furnaces are a popular choice for home heating because they are efficient, relatively quiet, and durable. These appliances are the core component of your home’s heating system and can run on electricity, natural gas, propane oil, or wood. After heating the air, it’s transmitted all over the home through heating ducts creating comfortable temperatures.

If you are considering installing a furnace in Loveland, CO, you might wonder how long these machines will last. Here’s what you need to know.

Average furnace lifespan

The lifespan of a furnace is subjective. On average, a regularly serviced furnace can last between 15 – 30 years. However, some have been known to last up to 40 years. It’s hard to tell how long a furnace will last, as this is dependent on many factors such as use, installation, and more.

When your furnace reaches 15 years old, it’s a good idea to start looking at new models as you might need to replace it soon. This doesn’t mean your furnace can’t last longer, but learning about modern designs and more energy-efficient models is a good idea. This will also give you a rough idea of what getting a new unit will cost.

Factors that affect a unit’s lifespan

The life expectancy of a furnace can vary quite a bit. Before you decide to get furnace repairs, it’s important to know what can affect how long your unit will last.

Installation

How your furnace is installed can affect how well it works and lasts. Poor installation can lead to a poorly designed, sized, and sealed duct network that can impact the machine’s efficiency and your comfort. If the fuel lines or drainage system are also poorly installed, they can affect how the machine works and bring on premature breakdowns.

Regular servicing

As with most appliances, regular servicing can help identify and resolve minor issues that can negatively impact the lifespan of your unit. For instance, you can avoid dirt build-up on the burners, blades, or heat exchangers, which can affect how the unit works. They can restrict airflow, imbalance the fans, affect the motor and make the furnace less efficient since the components have to work harder.

Thermostat settings

The great thing about a furnace is you can set your comfort preferences. However, how high or low you set this can directly impact your furnace’s lifespan. Setting it at a steady temperature helps reduce fuel consumption and overworking your unit.

Furnace size

It’s imperative to get the right-sized furnace for your home. If the system is too small, it will have to work twice as hard to provide heating, which can quickly wear it out. If it’s too large, it will turn on and off too quickly, leading to damage.

How long your furnace will last will depend on how well you take care of your unit. Ensure to get the right sized unit properly installed by an HVAC professional in Loveland, CO. Additionally, service it frequently to remove build-up and ensure the components are working well.

Furnaces are the backbone of your home’s heating system. As a central component of your HVAC system, it generates heat by combusting a fuel source and transmitting the heat to different areas in the house. Furnaces are installed to provide heat to your home, either as warm air, steam, or hot water. Modern furnaces are available in a variety of types and sizes in Greeley, CO. Here’s a look at some of them.

Natural gas furnaces

These are the oldest and most common types of furnaces you will find. They use a gaseous mixture of carbon and hydrogen as a fuel source. They are very sturdy and don’t wear out quickly, which means fewer maintenance costs. They can last up to 25 years with proper care. Since they use natural gas, they can cut your electricity costs while generating enough heat for your needs.

Oil furnaces

These use oil as their fuel source and are also pretty robust. Since you need oil to run the furnace, you need to have a stash of oil close so you can refill the tank regularly. Their maintenance is fairly easy but beware of the soot and dirt build-up, which can lead to breakdown requiring furnace repairs. When properly serviced, they can last for nearly 30 years.

Electric furnaces

These run on electricity and are quite popular since they don’t use gas. That said, they are more costly to operate than the first two types, but the benefits they offer outweigh this drawback. These furnaces consist of a cabinet with a heating coil and blower motor. When current runs through the heating coils, they become hot, producing the heart needed.

Propane furnaces

This furnace is powered by propane. The liquid propane is converted into gas, and it transfers heat to a heat exchanger. This model is quite popular in homes since it is safe, economical, and doesn’t require a gas line.

Wood-burning furnaces

These furnaces are great for places where firewood is locally available. They consist of a metallic firebox lined with firebrick and an air control system. As the wood burns, the heat is transmitted through the ducts to the rest of the house. While they are easy to work, they can be limited, especially since you need to be close to the furnace to keep feeding in firewood.

No matter what type of furnace you have, contact an HVAC professional for furnace repairs if it breaks down or isn’t working as intended. If you are in Greeley, CO, you can contact Christophers and get the best service available.