How Long Can Your Furnace Last?

Written and technically reviewed by Shon Peterman, Owner, Midwest Mechanical Heating and Air LLC. Serving Wichita since 2004.

Last updated:

September 28, 2026

With winter fast approaching, many homes have started turning up the heat. As you complete your regular furnace care, you may notice new odd sounds or signs of rust. Finding heating system issues early can save your furnace from a premature replacement. Lengthening your heating system's lifespan requires regular professional service and home care. Here's what you need to know about maximizing your furnace's usefulness.

Improving Your Furnace's Average Lifespan

The general lifespan of a furnace is between 15 to 20 years. Gas furnaces often have the shortest lifespans while oil-based systems last the longest. This projected lifespan can vary greatly based on average use and maintenance over the years. Unfortunately, using a furnace more regularly does wear it down faster. Understanding the many factors that impact your heating system's lifespan can help you make better HVAC decisions.

Correct Furnace Size

You need a furnace that fits your home's heating requirements. While it may seem practical to invest in a larger system, you'll actually end up paying outrageous energy bills. These systems may heat your home faster, but they use a lot of energy every heating cycle. Shorter cycles increase the wear and tear on the system, leading to more frequent repairs. A system that's too small will stay on for much longer as it struggles to heat your large home. Undersized furnaces face massive strain that causes them to break after only a few short years. You never have to worry about an improperly sized furnace when you rely on a specialist. Experienced technicians know how to correctly replace your heating system with a new and improved model.

Routine Expert Service

Never underestimate the value of professional heating maintenance and repairs. A technician should check your furnace at least once a year. Small issues can go unnoticed for months if not years without skillful care. By the time the problem is noticed and identified, you may be faced with hundreds of dollars in repair costs. Annual maintenance is an effective way to ensure your furnace will be able to handle the coming winter. Your local HVAC company will check for any loose bolts, damaged belts or compromised components. They're also trained to find the warning signs for rust and corrosion. Catching these issues when they start gives you the chance to correct them before they spread and worsen.

Frequent Filter Changes

Keep a careful eye on your filter use during the winter. Many programmable thermostats can track how long a filter has been in place. A clogged filter will lower how much air is getting into the system, making it harder for your furnace to produce heat. Dirty filters also allow debris to make its way into the system. Accumulated contaminants can increase the rate of wear and tear and lead to additional issues in the ductwork. Fiberglass filters often have to be changed every month. These are one of the most affordable options on the market, but they aren't very effective at capturing particulates. The more practical pleated filters usually need to be switched out every 90 days at most.

Minimizing Use

Along with relying on expert care, you should also do your part to minimize premature system aging. Set your thermostat below 80 degrees during the winter to lower unnecessary strain. The higher you set your temperature, the longer your furnace will have to run to reach it. A furnace should cycle a few times an hour for about 10 to 15 minutes each time. This can vary based on outdoor temperatures and your system's efficiency. Putting your preferred temperature extremely high will keep your furnace running for upwards of 30 minutes at a time. Changing your settings by just a few degrees can benefit your system and lower your monthly costs.

Traditional Heating and Air Service

Midwest Mechanical truly cares about your indoor comfort in Wichita, KS. All of our services are completed with the utmost professionalism, quality and skill. Our trained, licensed technicians have the experience to keep your home comfortable and safe all year long. Count on us to maintain and repair your furnace,air conditioner or heat pump. We can also install a new thermostat, improve your indoor air quality and provide geothermal services. Midwest Mechanical is a reputable supplier of home plumbing services like leak detection and water heater replacement. Call today to schedule your appointment with one of our expert team members.

Customer Testimonials

See why customers trust our licensed and background-checked technicians and the quality service we deliver every time.

I've used this company for HVAC and plumbing over the years. They are very well-organized as a company, and I've seen that they have systems in place to ensure that the concern relayed from the customer goes directly to the field tech. This eliminates the possibility for confusion as the message is relayed. Their techs have always been great to work with and explained everything that needed to be done. Their pricing has always been more than fair. The first service call that I ever had them come out for, the tech could have easily done a service that would have cost several hundred dollars. Instead, he found another way to fix the issue and I was only charged for the service call. I have been so impressed with this company that when I needed to get a new AC system installed a few years ago, they were the only company I called. In that instance, a supply issue that was out of their control prevented them from having the unit that I had ordered. Shon said that he would be installing a different unit that was originally quoted and would have cost about more. I told him that I was happy to wait for the cheaper unit, but he insisted and installed the higher-end unit for the same price. On a recent plumbing issue, their quote was about 1/3 less than a quote from another company for the same service. This is a top-notch company and I recommend you give them a shot.

Aaron McGuire

They were very punctual, explained what was the issue and how they where going to correct it. They can get my business anytime, keep up the good work

Cory Menefee

Very nice and polite tech! Highly recommend Midwest Mechanical for your spring and fall checkups!

Renae McLain

Had my furnace serviced. Jason was very professional and did an excellent job. The company texted a picture of Jason and some other information, as an elder, I felt safe about Jason and wish all service companies did that. Would highly recommend this company. Very professional.

Ruth Dittmar

The worker was very thorough and very polite!

Sherry Henderson

The technician.was very friendly and did a wonderful job at getting my heater going was very pleased with the work we'll definitely save the phone number and call again if and when needed

Tammy Martin

In the last 10 years that we have used Midwest Mechanical they have provided prompt and excellent service. Technicians are friendly and professional.

S.M. Osborne

I contacted Midwest Mechanical for a winter Service Tune-Up of my Gas Furnace before I was going to fire it up with the coming cold weather, and taking advantage of their Special Tune-Up price. It's a super price for the service they provide. The Service Technician was thoroughly knowledgeable of my furnace and made all the inspections and cleaning of parts on the furnace that could have cost more down the road if they were not done at this juncture. For the price of a simple Tune-Up, I received a full inspection and cleaning that would have cost more at other HVAC companies. The Technician, Angel, took the time to explain the work he was doing and how the company's goal is to help customers save money. Midwest got me on the schedule with very little notice. I highly recommend Midwest Mechanical for any mechanical needs your home might have, whether it be HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical. I am glad I called Midwest and plan to use their services again in the near future. Professional and affordable!

Cary W.

Perfect service as usual.

office

We have had Midwest Mechanical from their beginning and they have always been on time, friendly, professional and reasonably priced for installation and service. I would highly recommend them.

Brian Pontius

Great Service, good communication, professional and friendly, definitely will call them again!

Craig Fish

Midwest has handled all of my HVAC needs for years. They are knowledgeable, quick, fairly priced and do a fantastic job. I would recommend them to anyone.

kirkroyse

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