How Long Does A Heating System Last?
Heating systems are the heart of a home in the wintertime. They keep your space warm and comfortable when the weather outside is frigid, making your space cozy and feeling like home. Heating systems are a large investment that lasts for years, but you may wonder exactly how long a heating system lasts. In this article, we’ll go over a few different heating systems, how long they last for, and what you can do to get the most out of your heating system.
We have been installing heating systems all around Southwest Virginia since 2011. We know how brutal the winters in our area can be, and how necessary it is to have a heating system you can depend on.
If you need some help with heating maintenance, repair, or replacement, we can help you out! Give the experts here at Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We’d be happy to help you out!
How Many Years Does A Heating System Last?
Most heating systems last between 10 and 20 years. Heating systems last for a varying amount of time depending on a few factors. We’re going to go over these different variables and what you can expect for your heating system. For this example, we’re going to focus on our area of the country, in Southwest Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee.
10 to 20 years is a big range, and there are a lot of reasons your system could get towards 20 years, and even beyond that.
What Kind Of Heating System Do You Use?
The first factor is what kind of heating system you are using.
Heat Pumps: 10-15 years
Gas Furnace: 15-20 years
Oil Furnace: 15-25 years
Electric Furnace: 15-25 years
Boiler: 15-30 years
Each of these systems varies in how many years it will last. Heat pumps are towards the lower end because they are used all year long and experience more wear and tear. They provide air conditioning in the hot months as well.
Almost all other heating systems can last up to 20+ years with proper maintenance and care.
What Kind Of Climate Do You Live In?
If you live in an extremely cold climate, your heating system isn’t going to last as long as it would if you lived in a milder climate. This is because you’ll have to use it more often, and the system will work harder in colder weather.
For our area of Virginia and Tennessee, we see pretty average winters. We see cold weather in the winter and fall, but we’re not in extreme cold like areas of the northern USA and Canada.
How Often Do You Have Your Heating System Serviced?
How often you have your heating system serviced is the most important factor when it comes to how long your heating system will last. We recommend that you have your heating system serviced at least once a year, preferably before winter. If you use a heat pump all year round, you should have it serviced twice, once before summer and once before winter.
When you have your heating system serviced by a professional, they are going to inspect it, clean it, and make sure it is running smoothly. They look over the electrical components, burners, exhaust system, vents, ductwork, and thermostat. This regular checkup and cleaning will help you avoid breakdowns and major issues.
This is the same as getting the oil changed in your car, or going to the doctor for a regular checkup. It helps keep your system healthy and running efficiently.
This regular service will also help you save money in the long run. Efficient operation means less energy used to run the system, and less money spent on energy bills.
Replacing Your Heating System
If you see that your heating system is 10+ years old, it’s getting to be towards the back end of its life in lots of cases. If you start experiencing issues with an older heating system, you should weigh the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing.
If you decide to replace your heating system, make sure you are choosing the RIGHT one that fits your home and your needs. It’s a system that is going to be in your home for the next decade or two. You want to make sure that the system is keeping your home comfortable, and not costing you too much in energy bills. Consider efficiency when making your decision.
Also factor in the kind of energy you want to use. Lots of homeowners are switching to heat pumps because of their low operating costs, and ability to provide both heating and cooling. If you go with a furnace, you’ll also need an air conditioner to stay comfortable in the summer.
Give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online if you are interested in making the upgrade to a new, energy-efficient heating system!
