Winters in the Northbrook, Illinois area, are harsh; homeowners often experience bitterly cold temperatures and snowfall amounts exceeding 30 inches each year. Because of these chilly realities, having a functioning heating system is necessary. If you live in an older home with an older furnace, you might wonder about the average lifespan of a furnace and whether yours will last through the winter. The heating experts of American Weathermakers provide some helpful information so you can figure out how long your furnace will last before it’s time for a replacement.
The Average Age of a Home Furnace
The average age of a home furnace is between 10 to 20 years. Several factors go into that time frame that you, as a Chicago area homeowner, can control. The best brands, including Ruud, American Standard, Rheem, and Carrier, are all reliable brands that we service that will last a long time.
As your equipment gets older and sees more years of use, its efficiency can significantly decrease. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often; this is where regular furnace maintenance comes into play to help reduce instances of unexpected repairs. As your furnace approaches the 10-15 year mark, it’s a good time to start looking at new equipment to be better prepared when it comes time to replace your existing furnace. An American Weathermakers technician can provide you with all the details you need and an in-home estimate of the cost of a new system. They can also demonstrate how much a modern, more efficient system will pay you back in lower utility bills and go over any rebates that may be available to you.
Factors that Reduce the Lifespan of a Furnace
As we mentioned before, when your furnace is about ten years old, you’ll want to consider a replacement. But what are the other factors that can reduce furnace life expectancy? Some aspects, like size and installation, are out of your control, but other elements, like maintenance and thermostat settings, are entirely in your hands. Let’s take a closer look at these factors:
Furnace Size – Is your furnace appropriately sized for your home? If your system is too big, it will unnecessarily turn off and on too quickly, placing wear and tear on your unit.
Poor Installation – Ensure you choose a qualified HVAC contractor to install your furnace. Improper installation can drastically reduce the lifespan of your heating system.
Lack of Maintenance – When was the last time you had your furnace serviced? When you ignore maintenance, your system works harder, making it less efficient and prone to more repairs.
Thermostat Setting – A thermostat set too high can make your system run more frequently, which will typically affect the lifespan of a furnace. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
Why Partner With American Weathermakers?
To get the most life and efficiency out of your system, never wait until there is a problem to have it looked at, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for necessary, regular maintenance. When a heating and air conditioning system begins to show its age and it’s time to look for a new one, you have a couple of choices—you can try to fix the system or invest in a new one. A new unit will save you money in the long run when you replace your outdated, inefficient system. You’ll be able to use and control heat and cooled air much better and improve your indoor air quality. Contact us at (847) 503-9497 to get a new system or schedule a tune-up on your existing heating and air cooling system! We service your area – including Northbrook, Skokie, Morton Grove, and Evanston!
