I’ve read that a properly maintained furnace can last anywhere from fifteen to twenty years.
My current furnace is definitely older than twenty years.
It was already installed when my family bought the home twenty-three years ago. While the heating system has been wonderfully effective and reliable, it has started to have some minor problems. Every winter, I can expect a small repair. The cost of the diagnostic fee, parts and labor adds up very quickly. Plus, I’ve noticed that my utility bills are a bit higher every month. The furnace seems to be supplying less heated air than it once did. Because of this, it needs to run longer and work harder to meet the thermostat setting. It uses a lot more energy and makes more noise. I am a bit worried about the furnace quitting during the middle of a winter blizzard. My family can’t go without a working heating system when the outside temperature is below freezing. There would be the risk of water pipes freezing. I’d need to rush to get a new furnace installed and be stuck accepting whatever model was readily available. I’d prefer to take my time, research different models, look into financing and consult with a local HVAC contractor. It would be more convenient to schedule the replacement during the late summer or early fall. I know that proper sizing and installation protocols are extremely important to the efficiency, reliability and longevity of the furnace. There are models on the current market that provide some really helpful and cost-saving features, such as zone control and wifi accessibility. I would be willing to spend more to purchase an Energy Star furnace that achieves a higher AFUE rating. Since we will most likely keep the new furnace for at least twenty years, it’s important to make smart decisions and be happy with the results.