Gas furnaces are popular ways to heat a home, with gas heating being a comparatively affordable and energy-efficient option than most oil or electric heaters. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and your gas furnace can only function for so many years. To prevent unexpected furnace repairs, check out what the heating experts at Total Tech have to say about the age of your furnace and when a replacement is due.

What a Furnace’s “Average Lifetime” Means

Today’s gas furnaces may survive for up to 25 years, but the average lifetime of a unit is only 15 to 20 years. While this average doesn’t mean that your furnace will expire on its 15^th birthday, it does imply that any warranties will have ended and you’ll have to start paying for new parts and repairs. If you’re unsure of how old your furnace is, check the unit for a serial number and call the manufacturer to find out.

When to Start Shopping for a New Furnace

A furnace that has lived past its average lifetime doesn’t necessarily warrant replacement, just as a newer unit may not last past its warranty; overall, a furnace’s age isn’t the way to determine when you should begin preparing to buy a new unit. Instead, look at the cost of repairs to maintain your unit. If the costs of a repair exceed 40% of a new unit’s value, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement. 

Why Invest in a Gas Furnace Replacement

Your gas furnace may be well over 15 years old and still work without much need for repairs, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t time to upgrade. An older furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) may cost you enough money in gas bills that a replacement furnace could quickly pay for itself. With more efficient gas furnaces emerging for consumer use every day, it can be smarter to invest in an upgraded unit than to continue to use an older one, especially after the unit’s average lifetime has passed.

If you’re in the Frankford, WV, area and looking for a new HVAC system, trust Total Tech for the high-quality products and service your home deserves. Choose a brand new unit from their extensive inventory, including geothermal heaters, humidifiers, air purifiers, and gas furnaces, and have it installed at your convenience. Call (304) 497-3849 to schedule your installation, or visit the website for further details about their services.