It’ll soon be heating season again in Texas. Are you prepared? Your furnace has served you well over the years, and you’re again relying on it to keep you comfortable all winter long. Still, you know it can’t keep running forever. But how long does a furnace last?
For a modern, forced air furnace, the average life span is about 15 years. It may last longer, though, or considerably shorter, depending on how you treat it. How long does a furnace last with proper maintenance? By taking good care of it, you can extend its life to around 20 years, and maybe more. Here are some things you can do to help your furnace last longer.
- Get an annual tuneup. In the autumn, just before the heating season begins, it’s essential to get a professional HVAC contractor to inspect your furnace and make sure it’s running efficiently. The inspector will check all the components, along with the vents and the thermostat, and also make any necessary adjustments, replacements or repairs.
- Change your filter. The system’s air filter removes dirt and debris from your home’s air. But in order to do its job properly, it needs to be replaced every so often. Check your filter every month and replace it at least every three months. If you don’t change your filter regularly, the contaminants can gather inside your furnace, damaging the components, causing it to break down and ultimately shortening its life.
- Reduce moisture. Moisture can also damage your furnace, causing it to rust. Fortunately, the unit itself helps remove moisture from the air, or if that isn’t enough, you can invest in a dehumidifier for the room were you keep your furnace.
- Clean your A/C coil. Your air conditioner generates a tremendous amount of water. Generally, it gets drained, but if the drain gets clogged, moisture builds up. If your A/C unit is on top of your furnace, this causes the accumulated condensate to leak down into your furnace, leading to rust. To prevent this, make sure your A/C coil is kept clean.
How long does a furnace last in your home? The pros at Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating can inspect your unit and determine its estimated life span. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or for answers to other home comfort questions.
