How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?

As winter weather settles in and you get ready to turn on your old furnace you may wonder just how much longer it will keep running. The general answer is about 20 years. But the answer is more complicated and depends on a lot of factors. Some of these factors include how well made the furnace is and whether it is a lower cost or more expensive higher end model. If it's a lower cost furnace it may be ready for replacement in as little as 8 years.

Thankfully, many of the factors that determine how long a furnace will last are under your control. The most important thing you can do is have your furnace professionally maintained every year. This will not only make the furnace last longer, it will help it operate more efficiently and reduce the cost of unexpected repairs.

Because most gas furnace parts can be replaced as they wear out, it's usually a good idea to repair the unit as parts wear out. The one part that usually ends the life of a furnace is the heat exchanger. Constant heating and cooling will eventually cause the heat exchanger to rust out or crack, leading to failure. With new gas furnaces operating at much higher efficiency than units made just 10 years ago, replacing the furnace may be more cost effective in the long run when compared to the repair cost of keeping a 10-15 year old furnace running.

For all your home heating needs, call M/R Plumbing. We'll keep you warm all winter long.

Is Your Furnace Ready For the Heating Season?

If your home has a gas furnace, it’s important to learn how to check your system for potential problems to prevent unexpected breakdowns or inefficient operation. 

Replacing Your Furnace Filter

Paper or fiberglass furnace filters should be replaced every three months, or as recommended by the filter manufacturer. The furnace should be turned off before changing the filter. Never operate the furnace without a filter in place. Open the cover of the unit and then remove the filter.  If the filter is reusable, vacuum it to clean the surface, or wash and dry it following the filter manufacturer's instructions. 

Turning the Furnace On

A gas furnace is typically controlled through the same thermostat as the air conditioner.  This means that when the weather turns cold, you can simply turn your thermostat to the 'warm’ or 'heat’ setting and then adjust the temperature to your liking.

Ensure There Is Airflow Throughout the Home

Ensure that all vents are open in every room and that the vents are not obstructed by rugs, drapes or furniture. If the inside of the vents appear dirty, have the ducts professionally cleaned to remove dirt and debris that can restrict airflow and cause unhealthy indoor air quality.

If Your Gas Furnace Will Not Ignite

First, check that the thermostat is turned up a few degrees above current the room temperature. It may need to be 3-4 degrees higher. If it still does not turn on, check the electrical panel.

What To Do If You Smell Gas

If you ever smell gas coming from the furnace, leave the home and call your gas company right away.

Schedule Annual Heating System Maintenance

Regular system maintenance is important for ensuring that the furnace is operating safely and reliably.  During an annual heating system inspection your technician will lubricate the furnace ports and bearings, reducing the amount of energy the unit needs to operate. Your technician will also clean the burners if they appear dirty and check for carbon monoxide leaks.

With freezing temperatures just around the corner in the Chicagoland area, there are a few important fall plumbing maintenance tasks homeowners should perform to avoid wasting water and prevent damage from frozen pipe and water leaks.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

To prevent pipes from freezing it's important to ensure that pipes near exterior walls are protected from the cold. Seal cracks around the foundation and exterior walls. For sinks near exterior walls, make sure there is good air circulation inside the home to allow warm air to reach pipes.

If you plan on being away from home for an extended period of time, shut off the main water valve and open all faucets to drain water from the plumbing system. Make sure the thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees.

Flush the Water Heater

Cold weather puts extra demands on your water heater. To help it work as efficiently as possible and prolong its lifespan, flush the water heater to remove sediment build up. Check your owner's manual for the instructions to maintain your water heater. Have a tankless water heater? Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the line filter. If you need help maintaining your water heater, call Rapid Response Plumbing, Heating & Air for service.

Repair Leaks Seemingly minor water leaks from shower heads and faucets are more than just an annoyance, they can add up costing significantly more money over the course of the year on your utility bill. Replacing worn out faucet washers is simple and inexpensive.

Clean Slow Drains

Left unchecked, eventually a slow sink, shower or tub drain is going to clog, leading to an obstruction that will require professional help to clear. Use strainers in sinks to prevent debris from accumulating inside drains. Natural drain cleaners like Bio-Clean are a natural and safe way to keep your kitchen and bathroom drains clean.

Clean Faucet Aerators and Shower Heads

If you're experiencing low water pressure the culprit may be mineral deposits that have built up in the fixture, reducing water flow. Remove aerators and soak them overnight in vinegar to remove mineral build up.

Have Your Sewer Line Inspected

One of the most costly and disruptive plumbing problems a homeowner can experience is a backed up sewer main. Rapid Response can perform a video sewer line inspection to find any potential problems, including cracks, misaligned pipes, and tree root intrusion that can lead to sewer line failure.

Check Your Sump Pump

During the winter months heavy snow followed by miler weather can lead to water intrusion into your home. Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on and remove the water. If it fails to turn on, check the power supply. If the power supply works and the pump doesn't operate, call Rapid Response Plumbing, Heating & Air, to inspect the pump.

Fix Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste a lot of water. Replacing the flapper is inexpensive and simple to do.

On the outside of the house check hose bibs for leaks and have them fixed before winter arrives. Also, remember to remove and store hoses to prevent damage to outdoor faucets.

Water is a valuable resource. Whether it comes from a private well or the city, there are many reasons we should conserve fresh water. For one thing, we pay for our water, so wasting water is wasting money. Here are a few water saving products that can be installed in any home.

Bathroom Water Savings
Many homes in Chicagoland still have older toilets that use 3.5 gallons of water per flush, but the new high efficiency toilets that have the EPA's Water Sense® label use than 1.3 gallons of water per flush. Don't worry, they will still do the job they are supposed to do.

In the shower, check your shower head. Older heads use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. A WaterSense® shower head uses about 20 percent less water, and works great.

Kitchen Water Savings
A lot of people don't know that you can install a water saving faucet right in your kitchen, reducing water usage by 30 percent without significantly compromising water pressure.

Outdoor Water Conservation
If your yard has a an automatic sprinkler or irrigation system, installing soil moisture sensors can help you custom tailor your water use to prevent over-watering your lawn and landscaping.

Water Leak Detection
The last type of product can save you money and protect your home from damage. It automatically shuts of the water if it detects a leak. It's installed directly to the main water line to your home, which is then connected to wireless sensors throughout your house. The sensor can detect a leak as small as two ounces. When a leak is detected it sends a signal to the main unit, which shuts off the water until the problem is corrected.

Watch the Video to Learn More

1. Overflowing toilet  - Just about all of us have experienced the panic that sets in when you flush and the water level starts to rise... and rise. If you suspect the toilet drain is clogged, don't take chances. Clear the clog before flushing. If the toilet has been flushed and the water level is rising, you can remove the toilet tank cover and press down on the flapper. The flapper seals the hole that allows the water to go into the toilet bowl, stopping the rising water.

2. Clogged toilet bowl - If the toilet bowl is filled and you know that it's clogged, try a toilet plunger. Do not flush if the toilet if the bowl is full. You will only cause the bowl to overflow run all over the floor. Chances are that there it is paper that is obstructing the pipe. If you are unable to clear the toilet, call MR Plumbing for help.

3. Broken Flapper Valve - If your toilet keeps a running and doesn't stop, it may be time to replace the flapper valve.

4. Water supply valve -  Sometimes sand or grit can cause the water supply inside the tank to stay on. So you hear that running noise. Replacing the supply valve can solve the problem.

5. Low Flushing Power - Newer toilets use a gallon and a half of water. Older toilets used almost twice as much. With so little water available to force the waste down the drain, you often end up flushing more than once. If you have an older toilet with a higher flushing volume, consider keeping it rather than replacing it. By replacing the internal parts you will eliminate the need to buy a newer toilet that may not have sufficient flushing force.

Have toilet problems? Call MR Plumbing anytime for fast, professional plumbing service.