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How Long Does a Furnace Last in Pennsylvania?

Posted on: January 21, 2025

A home's high-efficiency furnace in a basementWith significant snowfall and freezing temperatures in the Pennsylvania winter, it’s important to ensure you have a reliable HVAC system to protect your comfort and safety.

When your heating unit is on its last legs, you risk being stuck without sufficient heat during a sudden cold snap. That’s why it’s critical to replace your system proactively.

The HVAC experts at Len The Plumber Heating & Air can help you because we know how long a furnace lasts in the Pennsylvania climate, ways to maximize its lifespan, and signs that it’s time for replacement.

Typical Furnace Service Lifespan

The lifespan of any furnace will be impacted by several factors, including frequency of use and general maintenance. However, on average, a gas furnace lasts 15 to 20 years, while an electric furnace lasts 20 to 30 years.

Gas systems tend to operate at higher temperatures during combustion, which creates added stress that leads to a shorter lifespan.

How To Maximize Your Furnace’s Lifespan

Replacing your furnace is a major investment in your home comfort. To delay this expense as much as possible, we recommend these tips and tricks for maximizing your furnace’s lifespan:

  • Schedule annual heating maintenance: By scheduling annual tune-ups with an experienced professional, you can ensure your system is operating at peak performance and help catch minor issues before they become major problems.
  • Replace air filters: Maximum airflow is critical to eliminate unnecessary wear and tear on your system. We recommend replacing air filters every one to three months, especially for homeowners with pets.
  • Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to optimize temperature settings to reduce strain on your furnace when heat isn’t needed.
  • Keep the unit clear: Ensure that the surrounding area of your furnace is free of clutter and debris to provide adequate airflow for superior efficiency.

Signs of a Failing Furnace

If your furnace is fairly new and has only minor issues, then scheduling furnace repair is the right choice. However, there are a few scenarios in which a furnace replacement is the better choice:

  • Your furnace needs frequent repairs: The cost of frequent repairs can add up over time, and you may not get much more reliable heat from the system.
  • Your furnace needs repairs that cost over 50% of the unit’s value: At this point, a total replacement is a better financial decision and results in greater reliability.
  • Your furnace drives up your utility bills: As your furnace ages, its energy efficiency decreases. A replacement will help with long-term savings by reducing your energy bills.
  • Your furnace can’t keep your home comfortable: Outdated and inefficient furnaces often create hot and cold spots throughout your home, impacting your total comfort.
  • Your furnace is too big or too small for your home: Systems that aren’t the proper size for your home can cause issues from wasted energy usage to premature failure.
  • Your furnace is nearing the end of its expected lifespan: Be proactive about your furnace replacement by scheduling it before a highly inconvenient breakdown.
  • Your furnace is out of warranty: Most systems have a 10-year warranty. Once this expires, you could start to incur major costs in repairs.

Benefits of Getting a New Furnace

Homeowners who install a new furnace will enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Enhanced comfort
  • Quieter operation
  • Greater reliability
  • Better indoor air quality
  • Improved safety

Choose Len The Plumber Heating & Air for Furnace Replacement in Philadelphia

When your furnace is ready for replacement, trust the team at Len The Plumber Heating & Air for expert care.

Our trained and experienced technicians work hard to keep your life moving with same day service seven days a week. With our upfront pricing and financing options, we’ll help you get superior comfort at a great value.

Join the 60,000 families happily served every year by calling Len The Plumber Heating & Air to schedule a furnace replacement for your Pennsylvania home.

What to Expect
From Len The Plumber Heating & Air
Experienced
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High-Quality
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Upfront Pricing

We ensure you know the cost before work begins and don’t charge extra for evening, weekend, or overtime service.