How Long Does a York Furnace Last in the Midwest?
Longevity is an important selling point when shopping for a new furnace.
You want to know how well your new furnace will handle cold Midwest winters while giving you the best value for your investment.
At Midwest Air Pros, we understand the importance of a reliable heating system. Our online directory of York dealers in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska can help you find a professional with heating solutions that will check all the boxes for the features you want in a new gas furnace.
Why We Recommend York Furnaces
We stand behind York furnaces because they are durable, efficient, and packed with advanced technology. Since its founding in 1874, York has continuously refined and updated its product line.
The average lifespan for most furnaces is 15 to 20 years, although many York furnaces can last up to 30 years with the right amount of care.
Furnace longevity hinges not only on maintenance but also on factors like usage patterns and climate. When the right mix of care and other considerations come into play, your furnace may work well into its golden years.
Factors That Influence Furnace Longevity
Maintenance is at the top of the list. Every year that you ignore preventative maintenance, you increase the risk of overlooking a potential issue that could shorten furnace service life.
Preventative maintenance is one of the best investments you can make. Annual tune-ups include an inspection to ensure you are safe from gas and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks and that all components work correctly.
A technician can identify potential issues that most homeowners might overlook and address them before they cause a breakdown.
Other factors include:
- Environmental: High humidity can lead to corrosion, and poor air quality can clog your air filter.
- Installation: Improper installation can lead to inefficiency and breakdowns.
- Usage: How often and hard you use your furnace can impact its longevity. Harsh Midwest winters can cause your furnace to struggle in extreme temperatures. It may wear faster than furnaces in milder climates.
- Furnace Type: If you constantly use your furnace during the winter, consider installing a high-efficiency furnace with a variable-speed blower. These blowers change speed gradually, reducing wear. Standard furnaces with single-speed blowers stop and start abruptly, contributing to wear.
Extending Furnace Lifespan
At Midwest Air Pros, we recommend an annual fall tune-up to keep your furnace running efficiently and to extend its lifespan. You can find a local York dealer through our online directory.
Monitoring your air filter for dirt is another smart move. Inspect it monthly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A whole-house dehumidifier can manage humidity levels and prevent corrosion. If poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a problem, ask a York technician to install a whole-house air purifier. It will capture particles like dust and dirt that can clog your air filter.
A well-insulated and draft-free home retains warmth and reduces strain on your furnace. Consider adding insulation, caulking around windows, and weatherstripping around doors.
Replace your manual thermostat with a programmable thermostat that enables you to program temperature changes throughout the day. For example, you can dial the thermostat back during the hours you are not at home and set the temperature to increase when you return.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says you can save up to 10 percent annually on heating by turning the thermostat back 7° to 10° Fahrenheit for eight hours daily. Besides reducing energy consumption, a programmable thermostat reduces furnace wear.
Knowing When to Replace Your Furnace
Even if your furnace still operates at 25 or 30 years old, it will be less efficient than a new furnace. Replacing it will make better financial sense than repairing it when it breaks down.
How do you know when to replace your old, outdated furnace? Here are a few tips:
- It needs frequent repairs.
- Your energy bills have increased.
- Your furnace emits strange noises, like rattling or buzzing, indicating wear.
- Some rooms feel colder than others, indicating your furnace is struggling.
Find a York Expert Today!
You can trust the professionals in the Midwest Air Pros directory to keep your Midwest home warm and cozy this winter. Select a York dealer in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska for furnace maintenance, repair, and installation. Click our online link to Find a Dealer.