When you’ve had your furnace for over a decade, you may begin to wonder when it’s going to hit the end of its lifespan. Should you go ahead and buy a new system now, or should you wait until the final pronouncement? Heating Specialties of South Jersey believes our customers deserve the full truth about common furnace lifespan myths. Together, we can help you decide when it’s the right time to invest in a replacement.
Here are five myths that can lead to unnecessary expenses:
Myth 1: All furnaces last the same amount of time
An average heating and cooling system can last between 10-15 years. Why the range? It depends on factors such as unit quality, regular maintenance, and usage. If you take care of your system, it often takes care of you in return. On the other hand, if you opted for a lower-quality model last time because you wanted to save money up front, you may be paying for that bargain with a reduced furnace life cycle. But even the top-tier furnace models aren’t immortal, and sometimes you can do everything right and find yourself falling under the law of averages when it comes to your furnace’s lifespan.
Myth 2: Age is the only factor
While age is a factor, it’s not the sole determinant of a furnace’s life expectancy. You don’t necessarily have to start furnace shopping on your unit’s 10th birthday. Other important considerations include:
- Maintenance: Have you been faithful with regular tune-ups? These annual visits can extend the life of your furnace by preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems.
- Usage: Frequent use or extreme weather conditions can put more strain on your furnace, shortening its lifespan. What sort of weather has your unit seen over its lifetime? Wide temperature swings and violent weather can hasten its inevitable demise.
- Quality: A well-built furnace is generally more durable and reliable than a lower-quality model.
Myth 3: If It’s still working, don’t replace it
It’s tempting to stick with a functioning furnace, especially if you’re not noticing any trouble or you’ve only had to call Heating Specialties for sporadic issues. But every furnace has a point where it makes more financial sense to replace it rather than repair it. We tell homeowners to abide by the $5,000 rule: if the repair cost times the age of your unit equals more than $5,000, it may be time to replace it. However, you also want to consider other factors, including whether your unit is still under warranty and whether it’s showing specific danger signals, like a rotten egg smell or a cracked heat exchanger that can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Myth 4: Older appliances are better than today’s models
Almost everyone knows someone who has been relying on the harvest gold refrigerator for the past 50 years. It’s true—they don’t make things the way they used to. But in the case of furnaces, they’re making them better than their predecessors. Today’s newer furnaces are constructed with better, lighter materials and engines. Most will give you better energy efficiency, which can help keep your monthly energy bills reasonable.
Myth 5: Replacing your furnace is a major disruption
Are you putting off a furnace replacement because you dread the hassle? Modern furnace replacement processes are much less disruptive than they used to be. With advancements in technology and installation techniques, Heating Specialties can often complete the process in a single day.
Is it time to consider a furnace replacement? This can be a confusing decision, but the professionals at Heating Specialties can help you make the right decision that fits your family, your home, AND your budget. Our trained technicians can help you sort through the choices and choose the features that will keep your family warm during Jersey’s unpredictable winter months. We also offer special financing to help you spread your payments over time.
Understanding the truth about furnace lifespans can help you make informed decisions about when to replace your unit. If you’re ready to talk, Call Heating Specialties at (866) 923-2653 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online form. Don’t let the myths scare you. Stick with the facts and Heating Specialties to give you the best heating and cooling services for your South Jersey home.