When you want to stay warm and toasty, there’s almost nothing that works harder than your furnace. Whether a chill has settled over Centennial or you just want to be prepared for winter, you want a system that works the way it should for as long as possible. Furnace maintenance in Denver can go a long way to make your system last as long as possible, but at some point, they do give out and need replacements.
The Denver heating team at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical has the insights you need to budget for your future furnace and keep your home warm and cozy without interruptions. Although there’s no exact expiration date, furnaces follow predictable lifespans based on type, maintenance, and usage.
Our heating experts know better than anyone that not all furnaces are created equal. The type of fuel your system uses plays a major role in how long you can expect it to last.
These are the most common types of furnaces in Colorado households/ Natural gas furnaces will usually last 15 to 20 years with proper upkeep. They burn fuel efficiently, but do face wear and tear on heat exchangers and burners.
These models can last 20 to 25 years, but need more frequent furnace maintenance and cleaning. Why? All of that oil combustion leaves behind residue, which means neglected oil furnaces can fail much sooner than 20 years.
These efficient furnaces are built with fewer moving parts and no combustion. You can expect them to run 20 to 30 years, but their higher operating costs make them less common. Their longevity may offset the cost, as they can outlast both gas and oil furnaces.
Condensing models, which use secondary heat exchangers to squeeze more energy out of fuel, typically last 15 to 18 years. The advanced components that boost efficiency may also wear out faster than those in traditional units.
These are just the average lifespan of furnaces, but how long they last will also depend on how you use and care for them. Here are some ways you can maximize their use and value over time:
Furnaces that are installed by a professional and sized correctly for your home and usage have a higher chance of lasting for their full lifespan–or even longer. Trying to DIY an installation, or going with a cheap company that cuts corners, can lead to short cycling, unnecessary strain, and premature wear and tear. Keep in mind trying to install a furnace yourself can also void your warranty and expose your home to carbon monoxide and fire risks.
Routine furnace maintenance in Denver is hands-down the single most important factor in how long your heater will last. Schedule annual tune-ups with our team and we’ll clean-up the unit, run tests, check the components, and stay ahead of repairs. You can also make a point to swap out your filters every 1 to 3 months. You’ll help prevent dirt buildup, airflow restrictions, and mechanical strain in between your professional tune-ups.
If you love a warm, or even hot, home, you risk wearing out your furnace sooner. More run time will lead to faster wear and tear. There’s nothing wrong with keeping your home as warm as you want to, but installing a smart thermostat in Denver helps regulate the temperature in your home and maximize your usage. Your thermostat will learn your routine and preferences and adjust as needed, which saves you money and puts less strain on your system over the long-run.
Do you have pets or an older home that’s prone to dust? Poor indoor air quality will clog your furnace’s filters and can eventually damage its sensitive components. Fortunately, it’s not a lost cause. We can come out to clean your ductworks and seal them to help your furnace last as long as possible.
Like any home system, furnaces will vary in their quality and performance. Rest assured Bell only works with reputable brands we would recommend to our own friends and family. We can guide you through the process to find the best system for you and schedule professional furnace installation in Denver to make sure you’re set-up for success. When you do need furnace repairs, we’ll only use quality components and parts to work on your system.
Even with the best care possible, your furnace won’t last forever. When your system is 15 years or older, it’s good practice to start budgeting for a new one. Keep a record of your service calls and costs and track the efficiency and energy bills of your home. As your heating bills increase, your tune-ups are more frequent, and you suddenly need more repairs, your furnace is probably nearing the end of its lifespan.
Bell also offers flexible financing options to make your furnace upgrade or installation as easy as possible. With fast approval and turn-around times, we’ll get your new furnace installed quickly with the peace of mind that your home will stay warm and safe all season long.
The good news is many well-maintained furnaces can last for over two decades. The team at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is here for all your furnace needs in Denver, Centennial and the surrounding area. We also offer the flexible financing options you need for a new furnace upgrade, installation, or can make repairs when you need them.
Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment today!
We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule your appointment, call now or book online!
