How long does a furnace last?
Most furnaces last about 15 to 20 years with proper care, according to both Lennox and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
What shortens or extends furnace life
The Minnesota Department of Commerce says most furnaces have a useful life of 15 to 20 years, depending on conditions. Leaky, poorly insulated houses make a furnace run more often, which can shorten its life or raise repair costs. Poor maintenance can cause early failures.
Lennox points to the same pattern. A dirty filter or dirty fan blades force the furnace to work harder. A furnace that is larger than the house needs runs shorter cycles. With scheduled annual maintenance, Lennox says a furnace should easily last over 15 years.
Signs it is time to plan a replacement
- Several repairs within a few years. Lennox says that shows the furnace is failing.
- A repair quote that is a large share of a new furnace. Lennox says replace when a repair costs more than half the cost of a new furnace. The Minnesota guide says 25% or more may be a sign to replace instead.
- Age plus comfort problems. ENERGY STAR says to have equipment checked by a professional HVAC contractor if it is more than 10 years old or not keeping the house comfortable.
- Rising fuel use. Lennox notes that old furnaces are less efficient and more expensive to run.
Why Omaha makes planning ahead worth it
The National Weather Service Omaha/Valley office reported a low of -23°F on February 16 in its 2021 yearly summary. A furnace that quits in that kind of cold is an emergency. The Minnesota guide advises planning a replacement before the furnace fails, weighing age, repair costs, and efficiency.
Gas furnace safety as it ages
M.U.D. recommends having furnaces and other natural gas appliances inspected every year. If you smell gas, do not look for the leak. Leave the house right away, then call M.U.D. at 402.554.7777 or 911 from a safe place. If anyone has flu-like symptoms that could be carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911.
Get a replacement number for your house
Age is a rule of thumb, not a verdict. A local contractor can look at your furnace and quote a replacement for free through this site. You can get a free quote or read the repair or replace guide first.
If yours is near that age and acting up, request a free quote for furnace repair in Omaha or a replacement.
Sources
Common questions
Does maintenance make a furnace last longer?
Lennox says annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps a furnace last longer, and that a dirty filter makes the furnace work harder.
Is a furnace that is 10 years old too old?
Not automatically. ENERGY STAR says to have equipment more than 10 years old evaluated by a professional, while Lennox and Minnesota put typical life at 15 to 20 years.
Is replacing an 80% AFUE furnace worth it?
The Minnesota guide says furnaces at 80% AFUE or lower cost more in fuel than higher-efficiency models, and that moving to about 95% can pay for itself over the new unit's life. Real savings depend on your house and fuel prices.