How Long Does A Furnace Last For? 

A furnace should last anywhere in between 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Furnaces are the heart of a home. They keep your home warm during our cold, Illinois winters. It’s one of the most important appliances in your home, not only providing comfort, but also having a major impact on your energy bills. Luckily, a furnace lasts for years, and is something you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing very often. 

I have been replacing furnaces for the past 20 years, and have seen some that are over 20 years old, and some that are less than 10! It depends on how well the system was taken care of, and the type of furnace that was installed. In this article, I’m going to tell you a little more about why the furnace should last this long, and what you can do to extend its lifespan. 

If you are looking for help with your furnace, give Compass Heating and Air a call at (630) 504-8688, or contact us online. We can come provide routine maintenance, or give you a free estimate to replace your current furnace. 

How To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Furnace

Now that you know a furnace can last up to 20 years, the key is doing your part to ensure it lasts that long. If you simply have it installed and then never think about it again, you are going to run into problems sooner than you realize. There are a few things you can do to make sure your furnace lasts as long as it possibly can. 

Schedule Routine Furnace Service

The most important thing you can do to extend the life of your furnace is to schedule routine furnace service. Having a professional clean and inspect your furnace is the best way to make sure you are getting the most out of your heating system. 

During routine furnace maintenance, a professional HVAC technician will first start by inspecting your furnace. They remove the cover and look at the internal components. This includes looking at the wiring, the fan, heat exchanger, flue vent, etc. Each of these components plays a major role in making your furnace function. If one of these components is broken or not working properly, it could lead to problems with the heating, and could even become dangerous. 

Your furnace produces gasses that can be dangerous and harmful, like carbon monoxide. If it’s not properly vented out of your home, it can even cause death. During the inspection, your technician will make sure the gas is being properly vented, and your system is safe! 

After each component is inspected, the technician may make a recommendation to replace a part that may be deteriorating, and could cause issues. If all the components are looking good and working properly, they will then clean the system. During furnace operation, gas or oil is burned, causing some residue and soot to build up. This could cause a problem, and regular service will help keep it clean and operating smoothly. 

Routine maintenance also helps you maintain your furnace’s warranty. Most furnaces come with a warranty that lasts for a certain amount of time, but they require professional service to keep the warranty intact. If you go years without professional maintenance, and then go to use your warranty when you run into a problem, you may find the warranty was voided due to lack of service. 

Signing Up For A Maintenance Plan

One of the best ways to get the most value when it comes to heating service is signing up for a service plan. These are designed to help you save money in the long run. Typically you pay a yearly fee, and it comes with discounts and benefits that will save you money and add some convenience to service. 

For us here at Compass, our maintenance plan has some amazing features and advantages: 

• No Service Charge for Repairs
• Lifetime Guarantee parts and labor on all parts replaced by Compass Heating and Air
• Includes seasonal maintenance on both the furnace and air conditioner
• 10% discount on all repairs
• No additional charges for weekends or holidays
• “Front-of-the Line, Priority Service
• Membership in our exclusive Compass Club

If anything, a service plan is going to ensure your heating and cooling systems are taken care of regularly, and ensure they are going to last for years, with as few problems as possible. 

Changing Your Air Filter

Changing your air filter is easy, and a simple way to take care of your HVAC system. We recommend you change your air filter every 2-3 months. Your air filter catches airborne irritants and particles that get into the air of your home. Before those particles get to your HVAC system, the filter catches them and prevents them from moving throughout the air. 

Over time, your air filter is going to get clogged and prevent this airflow. This could backup your furnace and make it more difficult to operate. If you have a VERY clogged air filter, it could even cause your furnace to stop working. 

Keep a few filters at home and make sure you swap it out every month or so. This will not only help improve the airflow and operation of your furnace, but it will also make the air in your home cleaner and healthier! 

When Should You Replace Your Furnace? 

There’s not an exact science to replacing your furnace. For most people, it simply happens when the furnace stops working. This is an obvious time to make the replacement. There are also some other indicators that may show you it’s time to replace the system: 

• Your furnace is 10+ years old
• Your furnace is in need of constant repairs 
• Your furnace needs a repair that costs more than $1000
• Your energy bills are out of control 
• Your home isn’t getting warm

We recommend asking a professional. Have your current furnace inspected to see if you need a repair, a routine service, or it’s time for a replacement. They should be able to give you options for a new system, or get you set up with a repair or service for the current furnace! 

Replacing Your Furnace In Elgin, IL

If you need to replace your furnace in Elgin, IL, or the surrounding neighborhoods, give Compass Heating and Air a call at (630) 504-8688, or contact us online! One of our comfort specialists will be able to take a look at your heating system and let you know what you should do to make sure it lasts as long as it should!