Different types of heating systems have different lifespan expectancies. Some last much longer than others, especially when paired with regular maintenance and care. Heat pumps and forced-air systems are the most popular home heating options in Kansas. Because of the varying temperatures in the state, these systems provide effective heating and cooling year-round. Heat pumps can adjust to the ever-changing weather in Kansas, while forced-air systems with furnaces provide rapid heating. Regardless of the heating system you use, it’s important to know its average lifespan, when to schedule a replacement and how to extend its use.
Gas Furnace
In general, gas furnaces have a lifetime of around 15 to 20 years. Breakdowns in the thermostat, pilot light or flame sensor are common reasons for repairs. It’s also possible for the blower motor and heat exchanger to wear out over time and need maintenance. Whether you live in an apartment, a single-family house or a multi-story structure, a gas furnace will keep you warm and cozy. In colder areas, where a strong and dependable heating system is crucial, they work especially well. Nevertheless, for the best performance and energy efficiency, it’s important to match the furnace’s efficiency and size with the home’s heating demands and dimensions.
Electric Furnace
To create heat, electric heaters use an electric current that flows through heating components. With an electric heat pump system, the unit moves heat from the inside of the home to the outside. Their typical life expectancy is 20 to 30 years. Problems with the thermostat, heating elements or electrical components are common reasons for repairs. Electric furnaces are adaptable and suitable for a wide range of house styles. They work well for houses in areas with warmer weather where heating is not a major concern. Houses without access to natural gas, such as smaller houses or flats, commonly opt for electric furnaces as well.
Air-Source Heat Pump
Another kind of heating and cooling system is the air-source heat pump, which uses the air outside to generate heat. Their typical lifetime is around 15 to 20 years. They function by bringing warm air inside during the winter and removing cold air from inside during the summer. Common reasons for repairs include problems with the outside unit, electrical components or refrigerant levels. Cleaning the coils and monitoring the refrigerant levels are examples of routine maintenance that can keep your system running well.
Boiler
To heat a house, a boiler will utilize water to create steam. They function by heating water in a central unit and distributing it via pipes or radiators. Boilers usually last for around 15 to 20 years. They are versatile and adapt well to houses of all sizes. They are especially effective when coupled with radiant heating systems. Problems with the thermostat, circulator pump or pressure relief valve are common repairs for boilers. Bleeding radiators and other routine maintenance tasks can keep these issues at bay.
Geothermal Heater
Geothermal heaters are a great choice since they use energy from the earth to function. They exchange heat with the planet by pumping fluid via a network of subterranean loops. Geothermal systems are ideal for houses of all sizes and with good insulation since they have a long lifetime (25 to 50 years on average). Problems with the heat pump or the subsurface loops are common causes of repairs. Preventing these concerns and ensuring sustained, efficient operation is possible through regular maintenance. Technicians usually perform system inspections and loop cleansing to help the system maintain its efficiency.
Radiant Heaters
To provide heat, radiant heaters work by heating nearby surfaces, including walls or floors. They use infrared radiation to heat the room and its inhabitants directly. A radiant heater’s average lifespan is 15 to 20 years. They provide effective, noiseless heating and are perfect for houses with open floor plans or individual heating zones. Fixing problems with heating components or controllers is a common repair. To avoid these problems and maintain constant radiant heating performance, regular maintenance is necessary.
1. Change the Air Filter
A general rule of thumb for heating systems is to clean or replace the air filter regularly. No air can get through a blocked filter, so your system has to work harder. Because of this, the heater endures lots of wear and tear. Over time, this wear and tear minimizes the systems’ efficiency, raises your heating costs and leads to costly repairs. To avoid this, replace the filter once a month or as required.
2. Use a Smart Thermostat
To get exact temperature regulation, invest in a smart thermostat. By adjusting the temperature according to your needs, programmable features make the system more efficient and less taxing. If you want to make sure your heating system lasts as long as possible and consumes as little energy as possible, a smart thermostat is a great investment.
3. Seal Air Leaks
If your house has air leaks, your heating system will have to work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Put caulk around doors, windows and ducts to keep heat in. This helps keep the temperature steady, which reduces pressure on systems like heat pumps, electric furnaces and forced air systems.
4. Clean Vents and Registers
Keep the airflow clear by cleaning the vents and registers regularly. The collection of dust and particles may reduce the system’s performance and cause it to overheat. It is important to keep the air circulation paths open for electric furnaces and forced air systems. To get the most out of your boiler, make sure the radiators and baseboard heaters are clean.
5. Add More Insulation
Insulation lessens the strain on your heating system by keeping heat in and cold air out. It is crucial to insulate floors adequately for houses that have radiant heating systems. If you want your forced air, electric or heat pump system to last as long as possible, make sure the walls and ceilings are adequately insulated.
6. Consider Zoned Heating
With zoned heating, you can independently regulate the temperature in various rooms of your house. For bigger houses with different heating demands, this is a huge energy saver. Zoned heating helps to equally spread the effort, which in turn reduces the unit’s workload and ultimately extends its lifetime.
7. Schedule Professional Repairs
The best way to prevent problems from becoming worse is to have a professional expert look for them. This is particularly crucial for boilers since professionals can identify and fix problems with the heat exchanger, pressure or valves during regular maintenance. Experts can check the ground loop system of geothermal heaters to make sure they are working at their best as well.
Air Care Heating & Cooling offers a variety of services to make your heater last longer. We also specialize in AC repairs and maintenance, water heater repairs and commercial HVAC. Reach out to us now to schedule heater maintenance for your Shawnee, KS, home.
