how long do furnaces last

Without a doubt, before buying any HVAC system, one of the most asked questions is about the furnace’s lifespan. The lifespan of a furnace typically ranges between 15 to 30 years. Several things can affect the life of a furnace and that’s what we’re discussing in this article.

Read along to understand those factors and also get a brief of the top brands in the market today.

Factors Influencing the Durability of Furnaces

The duration for which a new furnace effectively operates before calling for a replacement is important for ensuring that your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient. Many factors play into this longevity, helping homeowners navigate their heating system options with greater insight.

A furnace's enduring functionality starts with its initial setup. Ensuring it's installed by seasoned professionals, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines and local regulations, guarantees optimal efficiency and longevity. Conversely, subpar installations can lead to inefficient airflow, unnecessary strain, and frequent cycling—issues that notably shorten a furnace's life expectancy.

Keeping an electric or gas furnace in top condition is key to extending its lifespan. Qualified professional inspections and tune-ups should be considered for annual maintenance, with tasks such as checking blower motors, testing airflow, and assessing thermostats being routine. Homeowners should be vigilant for any operational irregularities—like strange sounds or a drop in heating capability—which could indicate repair needs.

The build and brand of a furnace affect its durability. Gas furnaces often last longer and operate more efficiently than oil-based models. Moreover, high-efficiency furnace units with higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings utilize advanced technologies that minimize energy consumption and mechanical wear, enhancing longevity, and reducing repair costs and the need to replace a furnace.

The lifespan of a furnace is also dictated by its operational demands, largely influenced by the local climate. In colder areas, such as Ontario, furnaces undergo more intensive use, which can hasten deterioration. The size of the home and the furnace's capacity also affect its operational stress. An overburdened, undersized furnace for a large space is likely to degrade faster.

The setting in which a furnace operates significantly affects its longevity. Units in dusty or chemically active areas may degrade faster due to air quality issues that can clog an air filter and strain the system.

Technological advancements can make older furnace models seem outdated. Newer furnaces often come equipped with sophisticated sensors and control systems that optimize efficiency and minimize the risk of malfunctions, a proactive approach to extending a unit's life.

Efficient furnace operation requires proper ventilation and maintained ductwork. Compromised ducts can overwork the furnace, leading to increased energy use and quicker wear. Regular inspections and maintenance of ductwork are essential for preserving furnace efficiency and longevity.

The type and purity of fuel used to influence how cleanly a furnace operates, impacting its efficiency and lifespan. Gas furnaces, for example, need a consistent supply of clean gas to avoid operational inefficiencies and potential damages.

Top Performing Furnace Brands

Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are widely recognized as leaders in the furnace industry, notable for their advanced features, efficiency, and diverse offerings tailored to different home heating needs:

These brands are celebrated for their furnaces equipped with adaptive features such as variable speed fans and modulating burners. For instance, models like Trane's XC95m and Carrier's Infinity 98 excel in adjusting their output precisely to meet the heating demands of a home, enhancing both comfort and efficiency.

High-end models from Lennox and Carrier are engineered to operate quietly, which significantly enhances home comfort by reducing the ambient noise often associated with heating systems. Similarly, Trane furnaces are designed with noise reduction technologies, ensuring quiet operation.

Demonstrating confidence in their product durability, these brands offer substantial warranties. Trane, for example, provides lifetime limited warranties on heat exchangers and generous warranties on other parts, aligning with the offerings from Lennox and Carrier.

These furnaces are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Models like the Lennox SLP98 can achieve efficiencies up to 98%, with Trane and Carrier also providing highly efficient models that could help reduce energy bills.

The wide range of models from Carrier, Trane, and Lennox ensures there is a suitable option for various home sizes and configurations, accommodating both small and large spaces efficiently.

How to Enhance the Life of your Heating System?

Ensuring your furnace operates at peak efficiency while prolonging its life is crucial for both comfort and cost savings. Let’s explore practical tips endorsed by Comfort Union, a top provider of HVAC solutions.

What Are Customers Saying?

Check out some of our latest reviews.

When it’s time to choose or upgrade your furnace, selecting a high-efficiency model is key. These furnaces are not just good for your wallet due to lower energy bills; they also endure less strain because of their efficient fuel use. A model with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is especially beneficial, as it delivers the same warmth with less effort, reducing wear and tear.

Adding a smart thermostat to your heating system is a brilliant move. Far from mere schedule keepers, these gadgets adjust heating based on your daily patterns, minimizing unnecessary operation. This not only keeps your space consistently comfortable but also eases the load on your furnace, helping it last longer.

The importance of indoor air quality can’t be overstated. Furnaces forced to push air through dirty, clogged filters have to work harder, which can lead to overheating and quick degradation. Changing filters regularly is a simple yet effective way to maintain system efficiency and reduce the replacement cost of your furnaces.

Comfort Union stresses the importance of routine expert maintenance. Their seasoned technicians can identify and address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring your current furnace operates optimally. Regular check-ups help maintain efficient operation, significantly extending the life of your unit and ensuring your home remains a haven of warmth.

Glen RGlen R
17:46 07 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing, and I can’t say enough about the exceptional service I received. Led by Asif, the team was incredibly meticulous in their work, ensuring that every detail was attended to.Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work were evident from start to finish. If you’re looking for reliable and skilled service in heating and plumbing, I highly recommend Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing. Thank you, Asif, Muhammad and the team, for a great experience!
Chris EllettChris Ellett
13:28 06 Sep 24
I had a great experience with comfort union. Even over the long weekend they answered the phone, and were there the next day to replace my hot water tank. Moe called in the morning to give me an ETA and then a text when he was actually on the way. He was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and would use this family run business again
Berta SiposBerta Sipos
02:20 05 Sep 24
Amazing service Asif, Mo and Daryl. Thank you Comfort Union! On Friday evening our hot water tank stoped working. We e- mailed Comfort Union in 30 minutes they called us back. Very professional and friendly staff. Friday evening we had our quote. Very detailed and clear. On Saturday morning they called to see if we have any questions. The price was very reasonable. We booked the service and that afternoon we had a brand new hot water tank installed. We were very pleased and we highly recommend Comfort Union. These three young man were just amazing! Thank you again.
SamiurSamiur
20:24 04 Sep 24
Professional, competitive and immediate service. Installed a new heat pump from them and it was good experience. Highly recommend.
Charles KabanoCharles Kabano
19:12 01 Sep 24
Comfort Union just finished up HVAC work for the secondary suite basement for us in Airdrie, and I gotta say, these guys did a fantastic job. They installed a new Carrier furnace, moved our old Trane to a different spot, and hooked us up with a Lennox AC. Everything was smooth, and they really knew what they were doing.I love that they’re a family business—and really care about their work and their customers. The crew was super friendly and easy to talk to, and they made sure to explain everything along the way. The new furnace and AC are working great, and moving the old unit seemed like no big deal for them.Overall, just a great experience. If you need any HVAC work done in Airdrie, these are the people to call. Can’t recommend Comfort Union enough!
KyleKyle
21:57 29 Aug 24
Vic DePazVic DePaz
01:09 28 Aug 24
Comfort Union team was awesome to deal with and loved they are Calgary family run business. I will greatly recommend them. Great work.
Kathleen VinluanKathleen Vinluan
01:26 24 Aug 24
Quick and Reliable.
Louis TSAKALAKISLouis TSAKALAKIS
18:22 15 Aug 24
good job on time
Marcelina HumeMarcelina Hume
16:48 29 Jul 24
We recently had a heat pump installed by Comfort Union and couldn't be more pleased with their service. From the initial consultation to the completed job, the team was outstanding. They provided personalized recommendations and were mindful of our budget. I highly recommend Comfort Union to anyone seeking efficient and detail-oriented service.Thank you for your exceptional customer service and competitive rates!
Michael StuartMichael Stuart
23:54 11 Jul 24
Thanks for a great job. Good work
Md Zillur RahmanMd Zillur Rahman
00:07 06 Jul 24
My friend Muhamad Ayoob khan is very knowledgeable and professional person. He takes every job very seriously. He is capable and knows what he is doing. You can rely on him for your HVAC needs.
Batool RizviBatool Rizvi
06:24 01 Jul 24
Excellent service, very reasonable cost. Always recommended.
Shabeeb RizviShabeeb Rizvi
06:23 01 Jul 24
I recently had a Gree heat pump and Carrier furnace installation by Comfort Union, and I'm really happy with the results. The Gree heat pump is very quiet and the Carrier furnace works great.I highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC work in Calgary. Their expertise and dedication are impressive. Good work!
jaweda zaidijaweda zaidi
00:44 01 Jul 24
Juan GuerreroJuan Guerrero
14:56 28 Jun 24
Great service, highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC repair and installation services in Calgary!
sreekumar cngrsreekumar cngr
19:41 22 Jun 24
Sidharth NarulaSidharth Narula
00:08 21 Jun 24
"5/5 stars! I'm highly impressed by the exceptional service I received from Comfort Union on a weekend! As a family of plumbers, engineers, and soldiers, they brought a unique combination of skills and discipline to the job, replacing my water heater tank with complete satisfaction and professionalism. Their expertise, efficiency, and courtesy were truly outstanding. I highly recommend Comfort Union for any plumbing needs. Thank you for a job exceptionally well done!"
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Investing in the right new equipment and care not only secures the longevity of your furnace but also safeguards the comfort of your home. Contact us today for all your furnace installation, furnace maintenance, and furnace replacement needs. That’s not all – we can also look at the air conditioner needs of your house.

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