Your heating system is a vital component to your home. It keeps the climate of your home comfortable and aids in maintaining the structural and electrical integrity of your house. To help you navigate your heating needs, we’ve answered a few of our most commonly-asked questions:

What is the life expectancy of my furnace?

The average life expectancy of a furnace is 15-20 years. However, many homeowners choose to upgrade their heating systems every 10-15 years to newer, more efficient models. Furnaces that receive regular heating maintenance have longer lifespans than those that do not.

Why is regular maintenance so important for my heating system?

A six-room house collects about 40 pounds of dust each year, making clogged ducts and furnace filters a common issue. It is also important to service heat pumps to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime. Regular maintenance also prevents your heating system from breaking down and can extend its lifespan.

What are some low cost ways to improve the heating efficiency of my home?

• Replace your old thermostats with new programmable models that automatically turn down the temperature while you are at work and while you sleep.
• Regular maintenance helps furnaces consume less oil, cutting down on your oil costs.
• Make sure you do not have any drafts coming through your windows and doors. Drafts cause massive heat loss and can substantially increase your heating costs.
• Ensure your furnace nozzle is properly sized to your home. Oversized nozzles cause short cycling, which means your furnace will be kicking in and out, causing you to burn more oil.
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors. They are inexpensive and can be found at most local hardware stores.

Heating costs make up half the energy bill of most homes, making it the single largest use of energy. Investing in an efficient heating system is a good way to save money and increase the value of your home.

Alex Christie

AAA Plumbing & Heating