On average, a new furnace lasts 12 to 15 years, depending on how well-maintained it is. Since every furnace manufacturer follows the standards set by regulatory boards, every household can use a furnace for at least two decades. However, since not every family uses its furnaces the same way, some homes may experience a shorter furnace lifespan. But how do they maintain their furnace to prolong its lifespan better?
1. Choose an Appropriate-Sized Furnace
Oversized furnaces usually reduce their furnace lifespan. Furnaces are rated by the number of tons they can generate. One ton represents 12,000 BTU. If your furnace is rated at 1.5 tons, it generates 18,000 BTU.
So, why is an oversized furnace a problem? While it seems like having an oversized furnace wouldn’t be an issue, it can cause major problems. If your furnace is oversized it is likely that your ductwork is undersized, creating a multitude of different problems. Airflow is the number one cause of failures and breakdowns. This can also create premature breakdowns of major components in your HVAC system, including heat exchanger and other costly parts.
How big is a proper-sized furnace? The furnace should have as much as ten percent of the heating load. It is the total amount of energy needed to heat the house. To get an estimate of the heating load, contact a proffesional company who specializes in HVAC to make sure your equipment is properly sized so you can get the most life out of your equipment.
2. Ensure a Good Furnace Installation
This is probably the most overlooked problem with HVAC systems today. The most important day in the life of an HVAC system is the day that it’s installed. One way to prolong your furnace lifespan is by providing it with a sound installation. Many homeowners settle for lower-priced contractors and get poor installations in return. These contractors may cut corners in the installation of the furnace. This may shorten the furnace lifespan.
When buying a furnace, you should consider the total cost of its operation. Its cost of installation is part of the cost of its operation. You should also consider the cost of installation when buying a furnace. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you may be paying more in the long run by going with the cheapest price.
3. Schedule a Routine Maintenance
Most homeowners do not follow a schedule for furnace maintenance. However, regular maintenance on your furnace can extend its lifespan. It can detect furnace problems early before it gets worse. It can also help you troubleshoot the issues with your furnace.
The cost of regular furnace maintenance is minimal. It should be somewhere around $100 and $200. It can prolong your furnace’s lifespan beyond its expected lifespan. You should hire a qualified contractor to perform the maintenance.
4. Vary Thermostat Settings
You should also vary the thermostat settings at different times of the day. Altering the thermostat settings helps your furnace adjust to the daily temperature changes in your home. It also helps keep the same room temperature minus the different times when you are home.
Conclusion
Furnaces are an essential appliance in every home. It is necessary to keep it running efficiently to prolong its lifespan. With the proper furnace maintenance and installation, you can have a longer lifespan and better performance from your furnace.
Homeowners should choose an appropriate-sized furnace, provide a sound installation and maintenance, and vary the thermostat settings to prolong their furnace lifespan. You can check out reviews to help you choose a furnace that fits your needs. You should also consider the cost of its operation.
Good Guys Home Services offers heating services, ventilation and air conditioning services in Indiana. Our goal is to help families maintain their heating air conditioning units running for a more extended period. We also handle Furnace/AC repair and installation for heating air conditioning units needing help. Get a quote today by contacting us through our website.
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