Whether you have lived in your home for many years or are considering purchasing an older home with a furnace that is a few years old, you may be asking yourself how long does a heater last.

It is important that you have a go-to Billings HVAC contractor that you can trust to ensure your family’s health and happiness, and we are here to help you!

After all, because this is a significant purchase, you will probably want to begin saving money early if you know that you will need a furnace replacement soon.

There are several variables that you need to consider when thinking about a furnace replacement like:

• The age of your furnace system. HVAC systems typically last 20-30 years before you need a new furnace. New high-efficiency furnaces with the proper ductwork can come with a 10-year warranty and last up to 30 years with maintenance.
• You have increased energy bills. You may need a furnace replacement if your energy bills are high, and you need constant repairs.
• The noisy furnace blower motor is a good indicator that you need a new furnace.
• If you see more dust than usual, you should consider a new furnace.

We are proud to offer affordable and convenient financing options to help you offset an upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace.

The following five warning signs will show you that a new furnace is on the horizon for you.

1. Age of an Old Furnace

Just how long does a furnace replacement last? The answer to this question can be one of the most significant factors in determining whether you need to replace your furnace or furnace blower motor this winter.

If you are not the original homeowner, you may not know when the previous homeowners had the system installed.

How long is a furnace replacement good for?

If you are asking yourself how long do furnaces last, you will need to consider the type and brand of heater you own because some are made better than others.

Besides, you will need to consider how often you use your furnace. The average heater lasts between 20 to 30 years, but new high-efficiency furnaces with the proper ductwork can come with a 10-year warranty and last up to 30 years with maintenance.

How can you extend the lifespan of your furnace replacement?

Another critical point in understanding how long do furnaces last is realizing that regular repairs and maintenance can increase the lifespan of your furnace and furnace blower motor.

In some cases, a well-maintained, high-efficiency furnace may last 15 years, although this is quite rare. Plus, these furnaces operate more efficiently, saving you money on your heating bills all winter long.

2. High Energy and Repair Bills

Did you know that your furnace replacement cost may be less than the ongoing cost of repairs? Installation costs of a new furnace are often less than the costs of hiring an HVAC contractor, furnace parts, and your family’s discomfort while your home’s heating is down during a cold Billings, MT winter.

Another way to tell that your heater is nearing the end of its life is by looking at your energy bills along with your yearly heating system repair bills. Rising prices may prove that your furnace is no longer working as efficiently as it once did.

As you look at your energy bills, you should consider all variables, including changes in pricing from your energy company and the average winter temperatures.

However, if you have factored in the variables and are still finding your monthly prices higher than they once were, you could be dealing with worn-out furnace parts that have to work harder than ever to get the job done.

In addition, consider your HVAC system repair bills. While occasional repairs are to be expected, a sharp rise in maintenance costs along with bills for significant replacement parts, such as a furnace blower motor, could signal that the end is near.

Most furnaces require the majority of their repairs in the last two years of their lives. If your repair costs are getting out of hand, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new efficient furnace.

Start considering this route if you have had two or more repairs on your furnace over the past season because you could save money compared to the average cost of frequent maintenance.

3. Uneven Temperature Throughout Your Home

No one likes to feel the chill of the winter wind swirling around windows and doors, but even worse is the sensation of a cold room when other parts of your home are perfectly warm. You can look for a heating system with a high-efficiency rating because this type of HVAC system will reduce your overall costs and improve heat exchange throughout your home.

An inefficient furnace may struggle to blow warm air to those parts of the house that are furthest from the furnace, such as upstairs rooms. You may also find that large rooms feel warm on one side but cold on the other side.

This is another clear symptom of an aging furnace. A high-efficiency heater can actually reduce the average cost of heating your home throughout the winter compared to continually changing the heat around your home.

Instead of constantly changing the settings on your thermostat or setting up fans around your home to more evenly distribute the heat, you should opt for a new furnace that will create warmth throughout your home rather than uncomfortable pockets of hot and cold air.

4. Noisy Furnace Blower Motor

A well-maintained furnace in prime condition will sound like a soft hum when it turns on while a dying HVAC system will make many loud pops and crackles or may seem to whir incessantly.

A noisy furnace or HVAC blower motor may signal that you need a blower motor replacement at the least or possibly a new furnace. Because this is a more expensive replacement part, you will want to discuss which option is best for you with your service technician.

Most furnace blower motors cost at least $400 to $500, and service charges will increase this. Be sure to talk to a trusted HVAC contractor to see if you need to replace your HVAC system or if there are other solutions for your needs.

5. Dirty Indoor Air and Extra Dust in Your Home

Whether or not you have allergies to dust or pollen, you certainly do not want extra dust flying through your home. While a new furnace filter can solve this problem in some cases, it may not be enough to eliminate dirty air if an old furnace is to blame.

Keep an eye on the surfaces around your registers to see if they are looking dirty, dusty, or sooty. You may also be able to tell that your eyes are watering and you are sneezing more often if dusty air is being pushed around your home.

Instead of letting your furnace negatively impact your personal health and the wellbeing of your family, consider replacing your furnace with an energy-efficient model that will keep air allergen-free.

Are you wondering just how long do furnaces last? If you are unsure of the answer or believe that you have an old furnace that may not make it through the winter, contact a professional service technician who can replace or repair your furnace or HVAC blower motor, give your unit a general tune-up or help you know if it is time to replace your furnace altogether.

When you choose professional help, you will no longer have to wonder just how long does a furnace last but can instead leave your concerns in the hands of a capable and experienced service technician.