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How Long Does It Take To Replace A Furnace?
It’s the middle of winter, and you suddenly find yourself without heat. The culprit? Your old furnace. Now you’re left wondering: How long does it take to replace a furnace? Whether it’s a scheduled replacement or an emergency, understanding the furnace replacement process can ease some of the uncertainty.
I have been replacing furnaces in Illinois for years, and have seen some installations that take a while, and some that are in and out. I went to school for HVAC years ago, in my last year of the service, and have been taking care of heating and cooling systems for homes and businesses ever since. Between my training and years of hands-on experience, I can help paint the picture of how long your furnace replacement should take.
In this article, we will explain:
- Furnace Replacement Process
- Factors Affecting Your Furnace Replacement Time
- Average Furnace Lifespans
- How To Extend The Life Of Your Furnace
If you are looking into replacing your furnace and have a few more questions, we can help you out. If you live in Hoffman Estates, IL, or the surrounding towns and neighborhoods here in Illinois, give us a call at (630) 504-8688, or click on the button below to contact us online!
Furnace Replacement Process
Before jumping into the actual hands-on work of the replacement, there’s the pre-installation process. This involves:
- Measurement: Proper sizing is crucial. A furnace that’s too small won’t heat your home effectively, while an oversized one will consume more energy than needed.
- Choosing A Model: Based on your home’s size and your heating needs, you’d need to pick a suitable model. Energy efficiency and capacity are among the primary considerations.
- Sizing: Getting the correct furnace size ensures maximum efficiency and longevity.
How to Install a Furnace
Though the specifics can vary based on the type and model, the general steps on how to install a furnace involve:
- Turning off all power and gas supplies.
- Removing the old unit.
- Setting up the new furnace in place.
- Connecting it to the ductwork, gas line, and electrical connections.
- Setting up the heater blower replacement motor.
- Testing the furnace to ensure it’s working correctly.
How Long Does It Take to Remove and Install a Furnace?
On average, it takes between 4 to 8 hours to replace a furnace. This time frame covers the removal of the old unit and the installation of the new one. However, several factors can influence this furnace replacement time.
Factors Affecting Your Furnace Replacement Time
- Complexity of the Installation: Some homes might have hard-to-reach areas, or the ductwork might need adjustments.
- Type of Furnace: Some furnace models and types can be more complicated to set up than others.
- Technician Experience: An experienced team can typically complete the task faster than those less familiar with the job.
Average Furnace Lifespans
Typically, a furnace lasts between 15 to 20 years. However, factors like its make and model, how it was used, and maintenance practices can influence its lifespan. This is an important component of your home, that impacts your home’s comfort, as well as your energy bills. You will want to make sure that your furnace lasts as long as it should, but also runs well in that long period of time it lives in your home.
How to Extend the Life of Your Furnace
To ensure your furnace lasts as long as possible:
- Regular Maintenance: Having your furnace checked annually can identify and solve potential issues. This is the easiest and most important task when it comes to extending the system’s lifespan.
- Change the Air Filter: This should be done every 1-3 months, depending on the type and usage. This is something that is done during a professional service, but you can perform this task on your own as well.
- Cleaning: Ensure no dust or debris is blocking the vents or internal components. Once again, this is a task that is completed during your furnace maintenance, but you can still clean on your own every so often.
FAQs
Should you replace a furnace before it breaks?
Yes, if your furnace is nearing the end of its average lifespan or shows signs of significant wear, it might be more economical to replace it before it breaks entirely. This allows you to avoid emergency situations, and will ensure your system is installed on your time.
Should you install a furnace yourself?
While you might be tempted to save some money by doing it yourself, furnace installation involves gas, electrical, and ventilation systems. Mistakes can be costly and dangerous. It’s always recommended you call in a professional for a furnace installation.
How many people does it take to replace a furnace?
Typically, a furnace replacement requires at least two technicians. However, depending on the furnace model and the home’s layout, more hands might be needed. We usually assess how many people are needed during the design and decision-making process, and make sure we have enough hands on deck.
While the thought of replacing a furnace might seem daunting, understanding the process and timeline can make the experience less stressful. At Compass, we try and let the customer know exactly how long we think the job will take before we dive in, so they know what to expect. Still, we try to keep all our furnace replacements and installations to a minimum of 2 days if possible.
Remember, regular maintenance can extend your furnace’s life, but when the time comes, ensure you have a professional team to guide you through the furnace replacement. This will ensure your home is comfortable and safe all winter long. Furnace replacement in Hoffman Estates.
Call Compass Heating and Air at (630) 504-8688, for furnace replacement in Hoffman Estates.