Learn About the Lifespan of Your Furnace

Colder temperatures are on the way in Abbeville, LA, so now is a good time to make sure your furnace is ready. If you just bought your home or can’t remember how old the furnace is, you might be wondering when you’ll need to replace it. Here’s what you should know about furnace lifespans and how to get the most years out of yours.

Lifespan of Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces use resistance heating coils to heat air blown by the blower. They have fewer moving parts, valves and switches than a gas furnace. No fuel is burned, so there’s no need for a flue and no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The simplicity of an electric furnace means that its typical lifespan is 25 to 30 years.

Lifespan of Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are known for efficiency. They burn natural gas and create a lot of heat, which is helpful for those frigid winter nights. Gas furnaces must have a flue to vent the byproducts of combustion. They also have a series of safety systems that control the flow and burn rate of the gas. A typical gas furnace has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

What Affects Your Furnace’s Lifespan

Maintenance plays a big role in the lifespan of your furnace. As long as you schedule annual tune-ups, your furnace should last for a long time. The good news for Acadiana homeowners is that our mild winters put less stress on your furnace than a unit would get in a cold northern climate. The shorter heating season here means that your furnace should reach its maximum lifespan, and in our experience, many furnaces around here outlast the national averages.

We’ve been installing and repairing furnaces in the Abbeville area since 1956. If your furnace is getting up in years and you’re not sure whether to repair or replace, call F & R Air Conditioning at (337) 893-5646. We’ll take a look and give you an honest assessment.