What is the Average Life of a Furnace? – Signs of Furnace Decline and The Cost of Furnace Repair

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Furnace Repair

As a homeowner, you may not be a professional when it comes to how a furnace works, but you make sure to properly take care of and maintain your furnace to ensure the safety, efficiency, and comfort of your household. But what happens if your furnace is declining no matter what attentive care you give it? Read on to understand the cause, recognize the signs, and what to do if you decide to repair or replace your furnace.

Factors that Influence the Lifespan of a Furnace

Type of Furnace

There are four types of furnaces: gas, electric, oil, and high-efficiency. Each of them has various lifespans. Oil furnaces usually last the shortest, with an average lifespan of 15-25 years. Gas furnaces can last 15-30 years, but usually, most gas furnaces don’t last 20 years. Electric furnaces can last 20-30 years due to fewer moving parts and no combustion process. Standard furnaces typically have the shortest lifespan, with just 15-2 years, but this also depends on whether it is a high-efficiency furnace rather than just a standard. The type of furnace is a factor that can help determine how long you can expect your furnace to last.

Environmental Factors

Another unknown part of the equation is environmental factors that can influence a furnace. Frequent exposure to cold temperatures can put additional stress on furnaces, making it harder to maintain indoor temperatures. This leads to increased wear and tear. If a furnace is in an environment with milder conditions, this can extend its lifespan. Besides the temperature, air quality matters too. If the air quality is poor, it can negatively affect the furnace. If the furnace filter isn’t replaced frequently enough, it can circulate the dirty air through the ventilation systems and create air resistance that will make the furnace work harder. One other factor could be the humidity levels. High humidity can lead to higher rates of corrosion and degradation for furnace parts.

A man using a screw driving to tighten furnace screws.

Signs Your Furnace is Declining

Performance Issues

One sign that your furnace is in decline is its flagging performance. This can result in rising energy bills compared to previous years. Another reason could be if it is making unusual sounds like grinding, rattling or banging. This could mean that the components of your furnace are wearing out or there are problems with the blower or burners. Other problems could be inconsistent heating when there wasn’t any issue like that before, your furnace having a problem starting up, or your furnace frequently turning on and off without completing its full cycle.

Smells and Appearance

You can also use your senses to tell if a furnace is in decline. For example, a healthy gas furnace should have a blue flame. It the flame is yellow, that indicates incomplete combustion. Not only does this lead to reduced efficiency, but it is also a serious safety concern due to the increased carbon monoxide output. Other physical signs could be visible rust or cracks on your furnace. If a burning smell has been lying for a while, it could mean your furnace is facing electrical issues or overheating components. If you smell musty odors, it could suggest mold growth inside the ductwork. If you notice black soot around the furnace, this could mean incomplete combustion, as well as an increased output of carbon monoxide.

a furnace inside of a bare room with white walls.

Preparing for Furnace Repair or replacement

The Cost to Replace vs. Repair Your Furnace

Furnace repair costs will be significantly cheaper than replacing a furnace, no matter how you spin it. An average furnace costs $7,235, with electric furnaces being on the lower end ($2500- $4500) and oil furnaces being on the higher end ($6500 – $10,000). The average furnace repair will cost $300 unless you need to replace a more expensive part like a blower motor. ($400-$1500) However, what you also need to take into account is what the added cost for replacement and repair will be. A new furnace may be significantly higher to pay for upfront. Still, it may be more costly to repair your furnace if you have to keep replacing its parts bit by bit until it inevitably breaks, and you’ll need to get a new furnace anyway. It is recommended you have a professional assess your furnace to determine what the best course of action is.

What To Expect

When it comes to furnace repair, there are several things you can expect during the process. The first thing that the technician will do is to inspect the furnace and its parts thoroughly. They will check for anything wrong by performing diagnostic tests like the thermostat settings. They might also replace or clean the furnace filter and other components of the furnace. After their assessment, they might make necessary repairs like tightening loose connections or replacing faulty parts. They might also clean the furnace and calibrate the thermostat to ensure everything works correctly. If the furnace isn’t working properly or they see major problems assessing it, it may be time to replace it.

the inside wiring system of a furnace.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is important to understand the factors that can cause a furnace to decline so you can help extend its lifespan by being proactive. This could be keeping the furnace clean and not overworking it. It is also important that you are knowledgeable about the signs of a poorly functioning furnace and what they could mean so you can provide vital information to the technician. Then, you can make the decision about whether you should replace or repair your furnace and know which one will be the best option for you. If you need a furnace repair, Seattle Heating and Cooling is a proudly run family-owned business that offers same-day comprehensive furnace repair services. We provide free estimates and emphasize the quality in our workmanship. You can call us at 253-316-8776 or contact us for your furnace assessment or repair today.

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