Question 1

What's the average lifespan of a furnace?

Accepted Answer

Gas furnaces typically last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. If yours is approaching or past that range and needs a significant repair, replacement is usually the smarter investment.

Question 2

What does a furnace replacement cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary by system size, efficiency, and brand. Most whole-home replacements range from $4,500 to $10,000 installed. We provide a detailed, no-obligation estimate before any work begins.

Question 3

Do I need to upgrade my ductwork when replacing my furnace?

Accepted Answer

Not always. We inspect your existing ductwork during the assessment. If it's in good condition and sized properly, it can typically be reused.

Question 4

Can an oversized furnace cause short cycling?

Accepted Answer

Yes — an oversized furnace heats your home too quickly, satisfying the thermostat before completing a proper heating cycle, then shuts off and restarts repeatedly. This is a design problem from improper sizing at installation. The fix is either adjusting the blower speed and gas pressure to de-rate the unit, or in severe cases, replacing it with a properly sized furnace based on a Manual J load calculation.

Question 5

What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs include a chemical or aldehyde smell during operation, visible soot or corrosion inside the furnace, yellow or flickering burner flames (they should be steady blue), frequent headaches or flu-like symptoms in your household, and carbon monoxide detector alerts. A cracked heat exchanger allows combustion gases including carbon monoxide to mix with your home's air — it's the most serious furnace safety issue there is.

Question 6

Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but in practice we almost never recommend it. Heat exchanger replacement is extremely labor-intensive and costs nearly as much as a new furnace. If the furnace is over 10 years old, replacement is the clear choice. A cracked heat exchanger is a carbon monoxide risk, so we treat it as an urgent safety issue and recommend replacing the furnace promptly.

Question 7

How long does a furnace last?

Accepted Answer

A well-maintained gas furnace typically lasts 15–20 years, with some lasting up to 25 years. The heat exchanger is usually the component that determines end of life — once it cracks, the furnace needs replacement. Regular annual maintenance, clean filters, and proper sizing at installation are the biggest factors in reaching the upper end of that lifespan.

Question 8

How do I find out how old my furnace is?

Accepted Answer

The manufacture date is encoded in the serial number on the furnace's rating plate — usually on the inside of the front panel or on the side of the unit. Each manufacturer uses a different code format. You can also search the model number online or call us with the serial number and we'll tell you the exact age. Knowing your furnace's age helps you plan for replacement before an emergency breakdown.

Question 9

What are the signs that I need a new furnace?

Accepted Answer

Key indicators are: the furnace is over 15 years old, repair costs are frequent and increasing, your energy bills are rising despite normal usage, some rooms are too hot or too cold, the furnace makes new or louder noises, or you've needed heat exchanger or blower motor repairs. If you're spending more than 50% of replacement cost on a single repair, it's time to invest in new equipment.

Question 10

Should I repair or replace my furnace?

Accepted Answer

Use the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new furnace and the unit is over 10 years old, replace it. Also consider that a new high-efficiency furnace (95–98% AFUE) will cut your heating bills by 20–30% compared to an older 80% AFUE unit. Factor in reliability too — an aging furnace that's needed multiple repairs will likely need more, often at the worst possible time.

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