How old is “too old” for a gas fireplace or furnace?
Life expectancy for a furnace is twenty years; a gas fireplace will last longer. The practical lifespan of a furnace is generally dictated by parts availability. When I make repairs on older furnaces, I always mention the cost effectiveness of putting $500.00 in to an outdated unit. New furnaces come with a 5 year part and labor warranty. There are many more safety features to ensure proper and efficient operation. Older furnaces are not necessarily dangerous but dangerous issues may begin to develop over time. Aside from the cost of replacement parts, efficiency is a huge concern with older units. Today’s new furnaces are up to 96% efficient. With energy costs rising, better efficiency can make the replacement of an old furnace even more appealing to cost-conscious consumers.
