Eventually, every homeowner needs to decide when it’s time for a new furnace. It helps to know how old your current furnace is and how long you can expect a furnace to last. Keeping up with annual furnace maintenance is one way to extend the life of a furnace. But at what point do you start saving money with a new furnace install?
A new furnace installation provides benefits for your household and peace of mind during the Canadian winters. But how many years should a furnace last before a replacement is needed? Let’s discuss the factors that affect a furnace’s lifetime.
Don’t suffer the cold if you’re having furnace issues at home. Schedule an appointment and have a technician take a look at your furnace. Our HVAC experts at Ace Plumbing and Heating can recommend the next best steps and keep you informed about the health of your home’s heating.
The Lifespan of a Furnace
Most furnaces in Alberta are natural gas furnaces. Natural gas makes up 77% of home energy use in our province. Your furnace is probably the most used appliance in your home during the winter months. Despite this, you can expect a furnace to survive many years of use.
An average residential furnace should last between 15-20 years.
The first thing affecting the lifespan of a furnace is the quality of installation. Professional installations from Ace Plumbing and Heating ensure that your HVAC system is set up for peak performance and that your furnace installation is guaranteed.
Other factors can affect the life of your furnace, too. Like any appliance, product lifespan is affected by the make and model. High humidity levels (over 60% relative humidity) can diminish the life of a furnace. Most of all, annual furnace maintenance helps extend the life of your heating system.
Extending the Life of Your Furnace
It’s common for a furnace in Alberta to run all-year-round, or for most months each year. Any machine operating this much requires yearly care and maintenance to maximize its performance. Investing in professional furnace care helps you get the most out of your heating investment.
Annual furnace tune-ups help extend the life of your HVAC system and benefit your home’s heating in several ways:
- Prevents the need for more expensive repairs
- Improves the energy efficiency of your furnace
- Keeps your home & family reliably warm
- Increases air quality
Signs Your Furnace is Nearing the End
A properly functioning residential furnace should heat your home effectively for well over a decade. But some signs tell you that professional attention is needed. If you are making constant calls to a professional, your furnace may be near the end of its life.
Contact us at Ace Plumbing and Heating for expert furnace advice if you notice any of the following:
- Strange or bad smells coming from your vents
- Your furnace is making strange sounds such as banging or thumping
- Heating bills are consistently increasing
- The furnace pilot light is yellow, indicating the presence of carbon monoxide
- You notice a decrease in air quality in your home
- Your home is being inadequately heated
- Your current furnace is over 15 years old
Benefits of a New Furnace
Purchasing a new furnace is a long-term investment. You can expect your furnace to last at least 15 years. There are several benefits for your home and your family that a new furnace can provide.
Better Energy Efficiency
New furnaces in Canada must comply with Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act. This means that new heating units produce more heat with less energy. The highest efficiency modern furnaces only lose 1.5% of their energy to the heating process.
You will feel the difference every month when it’s time to pay the heating bill! Energy-efficient furnaces are also better for the environment. A new furnace has a positive impact on your pocketbook and the world around you.
Improved Air Quality
A furnace that has been in your home for 20+ years probably has a lot of buildup, dust, and debris inside. As a furnace deteriorates, it can add pollutants to your home’s air. Your family can breathe easier with a new furnace. Annual furnace tune-ups are a great opportunity to check the air quality of your home’s HVAC system.
For even better quality air in your home, you might consider an air filtration system. This is especially beneficial for people who have allergies or are sensitive to dust.
More Comfort at Home
A new furnace that has been professionally installed can keep your home cozy for 20 years or more. With regular maintenance and professional tune-ups, you can expect your furnace to work properly each winter. A furnace that heats your home evenly and consistently provides valuable peace of mind in Alberta’s harsh climate.
You can expect fewer service calls and repairs with a new furnace. So enjoy your 15-year window with fewer interruptions and a toasty home that heats up when you need it.
Your Partner in Home Heating
While it’s a great idea to stay informed about the timeline of your furnace, you may not be waking up counting the days until your furnace is 15 years old! Let our team manage that! We know that most furnaces should last between 15-20 years, but an exact lifespan can vary for each machine.
We discuss how your furnace is ageing with each and every annual tune-up. We’ll inform you of projected trouble areas with an older furnace and provide some options for a replacement. Every home requires a new furnace at some point. Let us be your partner in making that decision.