We strongly recommend that you have maintenance done on your HVAC system twice a year: in the spring, for your cooling system, and in the fall, for your heating system. And we frequently warn our customers of the signs that a heating system needs repair, so problems won’t worsen, and can be easily fixed. These things will help your heating system last as long as possible.
However, eventually, the day will come when you can no longer get that heating system to keep working, or you would have to invest a great deal in repairs to an old and failing system just to keep it running for a few months. That’s when you need a new heater! But when will it happen? We believe in the value of planning ahead, so let’s talk about how long you can expect a heating system to last before you need to replace it.
Gas Furnaces
Typically, with good care and annual maintenance, you can keep a gas furnace running for about fifteen years. Why won’t it last longer than that? For two reasons. One is that furnaces have a lot of moving parts. The more moving parts there are in a system, the more opportunities there are for something to go wrong. It’s only a matter of time before something breaks that would be too costly to bother replacing on an old furnace.
The other reason is corrosion. Gas furnaces must have exhaust vents to allow combustion gasses to safely exit your home. Those gasses also contain water vapor, which means moisture condenses inside the furnace. And it’s not nice, neutral water, either. It’s very acidic, with a pH similar to soda pop, so over time, it’s inevitable that it will corrode and rust the furnace.
Electric Furnaces
In contrast, an electric furnace can run well for about the same length of time. Like a gas furnace, it does have a lot of moving parts, so it has a similar risk of problems occurring due to that. However, electric furnaces don’t combust any fuel, don’t create any exhaust, and don’t produce any moisture. They’re at much lower risk of rusting, unless they get exposed to moisture often.
Heat Pumps
In our climate, it’s entirely possible to get all the heat you need, all year long, from your heat pump. This is particularly true if your home is well-insulated or relatively recently built. A heat pump can last 10-15 years with proper care and regular service. While it might last longer, the key is that newer, more efficient models come out every year that reduce the strain and electricity consumption. Your heat pump could be old and outdated by the time it turns 10. Still, this is an amazingly good deal, considering it can replace not just your heating system but also your air conditioner.
The thing to keep in mind is that “proper care and regular service” means something different for a heat pump. Because it’s in use all year long, it needs the same twice-a-year service that you would get if you had a heater and an AC unit. In both spring and fall, have your heat pump maintained by a qualified HVAC expert, and it will provide top-notch heating and cooling for many years.
When it does come time for heating system installation in Madisonville, LA, reach out to us for comprehensive HVAC replacement services.
When you need it done right, contact Professional Heating & Air.