In general, furnaces are expected to last up to 20 years. Newer models can last up to 30 years or more. How long the furnace lasts in your Carrolton, Georgia home will depend on factors such as the care it receives, and its efficiency and load capacity based on your specific needs or the characteristics of your home.
How Long Will My Furnace Last?
The expected service life of your furnace will vary based on how well it has been maintained and how much it gets used. Though estimates on the lifespan of the average furnace range from 15 to 25 years, the federal EPA’s Energy Star program recommends replacing furnaces 15 years old and older due to the dramatically improved energy efficiency of newer furnaces.
How Will I Know When the Time Is Up for My Gas Furnace?
Other than age, a furnace usually presents warning signs that something is wrong. Unfortunately, there are times when they can suddenly stop working. Warning signs generally include:
Frequent or costly repairs. If your furnace malfunctions regularly and requires frequent repair a, replacement is generally in your best interest.
Energy costs. Newer furnaces can have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating reaching near-total efficiency. Calculating savings on energy costs compared to your older model may lead you toward a gas furnace replacement. High-efficiency models (AFUE 90-98 percent) do cost more, and you will have to analyze whether the furnace’s expected usage in Carrolton’s mild winters will provide sufficient payback over the next few years.
Noise. Furnaces that have difficulty maintaining temperature work harder, and the result is that they can become excessively loud.
Safety. Any safety issues such as a cracked heat exchanger resulting in carbon monoxide leakage will have to mean immediate replacement if the leak cannot be repaired.
If your gas furnace is showing its age, it’s time to contact the experts at Merrell & Associates, Inc. Call us today at 770-872-4171 for routine maintenance or regular servicing of your HVAC equipment. We have been offering heating solutions to the Carrolton area since 1952.