Lake-effect snow, seasonal blizzards and long, cold winters in Michigan can burden residential heating systems. Furnaces work hard in the Mitten State, and they don’t last forever. Find out when to replace a furnace and when repairs may help you get more life out of your unit below.
How Long Does a Furnace Typically Last in Michigan?
The average life of a furnace in Michigan typically lasts 15-20 years. However, different types of heating systems have different average lifespans.
How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?
On average, gas furnaces last 15-20 years, but especially well-designed and cared-for systems may work for closer to 3 decades (or more). The same holds true for oil furnaces.
How Long Does an Electric Furnace Last?
Electric furnaces can last longer than other types because they’re less complex. They may last as long as 30 years or more, depending on the quality of the unit, how well it’s maintained and how much stress is put on it each winter.
Regardless of furnace type, an annual furnace inspection can help you identify small issues for repair before they negatively impact the lifespan of your unit.
Choosing Whether to Repair or Replace a Furnace
Michigan homeowners dealing with lackluster heating — or no heat at all — may wonder whether repairing or replacing their furnace is a better option. A professional can assess your current system and explain the options, but sometimes, it’s fairly obvious which plan is better.
Common Signs You Might Need a Furnace Repair
Minor issues that keep your furnace from powering on or running efficiently are typically reasons for a repair. Consider a furnace repair if:
- The thermostat needs to be repaired or replaced
- You’re experiencing pilot light issues that can be fixed
- The system is short-cycling, meaning it turns on and off frequently
- You notice heating isn’t even across all your rooms when it once was
- You hear noises from your system or ducts, such as screeching or banging
If your unit is under a decade old, you haven’t been playing whack-a-mole with repairs in the past and the repair is fairly inexpensive, we’d likely recommend repairs.
When It Might be Better to Replace Your Furnace
Replacing a furnace is a big investment, so at Great Dane HVAC, we try to help our clients get more than the average life out of a furnace. However, you may need to consider replacement if:
- Your furnace is no longer safe to operate in your home
- You’re dealing with numerous repairs within 1 or 2 years
- Necessary repair costs surpass the price of a new unit
- Your energy bills are excessively high and a newer, more efficient unit might help reduce them
Knowing When to Repair or Replace a Furnace
Knowing how long furnaces last on average can be helpful in deciding how to approach a repair, but a professional evaluation and recommendation can help you understand your options. An experienced HVAC team can help you understand the pros and cons of repair and replacement so you can make an educated decision that accounts for current and future expenses and long-term comfort during cold Michigan winters.
