Winters in North Carolina are cold and wet and can be snowy, especially in areas with higher elevations. In fact, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to fall below freezing, making a reliable heating system a necessity.

Being familiar with the typical furnace lifespans can help you determine if your system is approaching the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Otherwise, you could be caught off guard by a system failure and face extreme temperatures without a working heating system.

Typical Furnace Service Life

The lifespan of your HVAC system will depend on a variety of factors, including usage frequency, furnace type and size, and the quality of the installation.

You can typically expect a gas furnace to work reliably for 15 to 20 years and an electric furnace to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. This is because the combustion process used in a gas furnace leads to more wear and tear on the system’s heat exchanger and other components.

Tips to Maximize Your Furnace’s Lifespan

There are several things homeowners can do to maximize the lifespan of their furnace, including:

• Schedule annual maintenance: A yearly tune-up and inspection ensures your system is running properly, safely, and efficiently. We recommend scheduling maintenance each fall to prepare your system for winter.
• Install a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats help run your system efficiently, which leads to less wear and tear, fewer breakdowns, and a longer system lifespan.
• Don’t put off heating repairs: If your furnace isn’t working properly, it’s best to have it serviced by a professional quickly. Otherwise, it can lead to bigger, more expensive problems.
• Change your air filters regularly: Dirty or clogged air filters can force your system to work harder, leading to breakdowns and system failures. It’s important to change your air filters at least every three months.

Signs You Need Furnace Replacement Instead of Repair

If you have a newer furnace that has a minor issue, furnace repairs can often address the issue and restore your system to optimal functionality.

However, there are some instances when a furnace replacement is the best and most economical option:

• Your furnace needs frequent repairs: If your system is breaking down often, your money is better spent on a modern, more reliable system.
• Your furnace needs a repair that costs over 50% of the system’s value: If a repair will cost you more than half of what the system is worth, then a replacement is a much better investment.
• Your furnace is close to the end of its lifespan: If your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s usually best to replace it rather than continue to repair it.
• Your furnace is out of warranty: Typical warranties last about 10 years. If your system is no longer protected by a warranty, your money is better invested in a replacement rather than repairing your older unit.
• Your energy bills are rising: If your heating costs continue to rise, your system is likely not running efficiently. A new system will cost less to operate with fewer repair and maintenance needs.
• Your home isn’t comfortable: If your furnace isn’t keeping your family warm enough, or you’ve noticed hot and cold spots in your home, it’s time for a new system.
• Your furnace is too small or too large: If you’ve added on to your home, changed your layout, or your system wasn’t properly sized when it was installed, your furnace may not be the right size to effectively heat your space, making a replacement necessary.

Finance Your New Furnace

At Comfort First Heating & Cooling, we know replacing a furnace is a significant investment that can strain any budget. That’s why we offer reliable financing options.

Choose Comfort First for Dependable Furnace Replacement in North Carolina

Comfort First is here to ensure your furnace is dependable so your family stays warm all winter. We offer 24/7 emergency HVAC services, service all brands, and offer free estimates on replacements. Our technicians are highly trained, licensed, and insured.

Contact Comfort First online for fast and reliable furnace replacement in the Triad, the Triangle, Charlotte, Jacksonville, or the Outer Banks.