How Long Can I Expect My Heater to Last?
If you are a homeowner, you might wonder how long your heating system is expected to last. We are here to answer that question. Different types of heaters have various life expectancies. Your specific heating system could be a gas or electric furnace, a boiler, or a heat pump. Besides the system type, whether or not you get regular maintenance for your heating system makes a substantial difference in how long it will last. Here are several factors that can give you a general idea of how long your system might last.
Type of Heating System
A traditional gas furnace should last 15–30 years or more with proper maintenance. On average, electric furnaces and boilers have a longer lifespan than gas varieties. They can function for 20 or more years if well maintained. Heat pumps usually last for around 15 years.
Make and Model of Your Unit
Not only does the category of heating system make a difference in how long it will last, but the quality of the system plays a significant role as well. Lower-end units will not generally last as long as higher-end ones. You cannot simply count on the brand since most brands have various costs and corresponding quality tiers.
Location Plays a Factor
The location of your heater can be a determining factor in its lifespan. For example, if your furnace is in a crawlspace, it will likely have a shorter lifespan than one in a garage. This is because heating systems in crawlspaces have to contend with pests, excess moisture, and outdoor temperatures. Encapsulation can help protect the heating system from the outside elements.
Heating systems installed in attics can also have shorter lifespans. The extreme heat that builds up in such a location makes them more prone to overheating. There are ways to decrease the risk. Proper insulation and ventilation can help limit heat damage.
Proper Maintenance
One cannot overstate how important proper maintenance is to the lifespan of your heating system. When you call us for maintenance, the tune-up includes many checkpoints, including changing filters. The technician will inspect the entire system, looking for worn, damaged, or otherwise failing components. They check and tighten all of the electrical connections. Cleaning and lubricating the system and conducting safety checks are also included.
All of these tasks help the system run more smoothly and efficiently. As a result, it extends the life of your system. We recommend a heating maintenance visit every fall before you turn the system on for the season. This helps avoid a breakdown when you need heating the most.
Proper Installation
Your heating system is only as good as the technician who installs it. A heater that is improperly installed is bound to have a reduced lifespan. You can rely on us for the proper installation of your next heating system.
The Right Company for Increasing the Lifespan of Your Heater
If you are in South Charleston, WV, or the surrounding area and are wondering about the lifespan of your heater, Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is here to help. We are a family-owned company that has been working on heating systems since 1950. Our experience with heating stretches back far enough that we can answer any questions you might have, regardless of the age of the unit. We are happy to offer peace of mind by looking at your heating system and offering recommendations for extending its lifespan. The services we offer do not end with heating systems, either. Our team hopes to be your go-to for all your air-conditioning and plumbing needs.
Unfortunately, no heating system will last forever. Continuing to use a heating system past its prime can result in high energy bills, inconsistent heating, and safety concerns. Should your heater be at the point where a replacement makes the most sense, our team can provide a quality installation and maintenance plan to optimize your new system’s longevity. With our installation services, we ensure that your new system is appropriately sized for your home, as that can also affect the lifespan of your heater. If you are ready to help your heating system last as long as possible, fill out our online form or give Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling a call today.
