Home Heating System (how much, houses, live in)

[Valerie-Lydie]

Would a gas heating system of 13 years be considered as old?

How long in average does a heating system "live"?

How much are they, and where are the best ones on the market, what makes?

is there anyone one here with an idea on this? thank you

[Robhu]

Need more info as to the type of system.
A forced air gas furnace usually lasts for at least a minimum of 20 years and usualy much longer. You might have to replace the blower during that time.
A gas boiler hot water system (radiators) usually lasts longer than that except for the pump.
I have a gas boiler hot water type heating system and replaced the boiler/furnace 2 years ago. The old one was over 30 years old. The radiators and piping seem to last forever.
Thirteen years is not considered old for a gas heating system. You might have to make some minor repairs during that time but the furnace itself should live for many more years.
As far as brands I can't advise you. There are so many on the market now. Ask around, friends, neighbors, reputable dealers who have been in business for years.
I like the the boiler system versus the forced air blower type because even when the furnace kicks off the radiators still contain their heat.
When a forced air system kicks off you get nothing from the registers. The boiler system is a much more even heat.
Installling the boiler type is much more expensive.
But the forced air type will heat a house for many years.
Much more than 13 years.
My 85 year old mother still lives in the old home place and the same gas heating system is over 40 years old still and doing well. It is the forced air type.

[Valerie-Lydie]

Thank you this was very informative

[billl]

Well, "it depends". If the forced-air system was installed by the original builder (in other words, it's "builder quality") then I would not expect it to last much over 15 years. We had two Lennox units installed by the builder in our house 12 years ago. One has already conked out and the second may be on its last legs. Quite by accident we came across an outstanding HVAC company. They installed the entire HVAC system (including ductwork) for our basement and I was so happy with the job they did that I have used them for everything ever since. They replaced our upstairs unit a few years ago with (I think) a Rheem. Their primary business is installations, and they only maintain houses where they have done installations. If you are interested in contact info PM me.

Having said all that, I can also say that you can't trust everything you hear from a supposed HVAC "specialist". There are some HVAC repair companies in the area that aren't always honest about what does and does not need repair or replacement. If an HVAC guy is telling you that you need to replace your unit, get a second opinion!

Bill

[Valerie-Lydie]

Thanks Bill. Yes it was installed by the builder, so I am not sure of the quality but wanted to have an idea of how much this costs... I would be grateful to receive your recommandation by email if you don't mind. I'll keep that aside for when the time comes.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by Valerie-Lydie

Would a gas heating system of 13 years be considered as old?

Our Lennox furnace in Minnesota was 20 years old, and the one we have here is 21 years old. They can last a while.

[billl]

Originally Posted by Valerie-Lydie

I would be grateful to receive your recommandation by email if you don't mind. I'll keep that aside for when the time comes.

Valerie: I sent you a PM.

[Valerie-Lydie]

Thank you

[airkingairconditioning]

Valerie-Lydie, anything can be fixed, although systems can last 20 or 25 years the questions is are you willing to pay for it to be fixed over and over again. Take in to consideration the cost to repair and if the SEER rating of the unit can give you the return on your utillity bill. Then figure out how long will you live in the home? If you say five or ten years, go ahead and replace it. Shop around on the internet and even search on Craigs list for a lic. & insured heating & furnace repair company. GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS!

[YARDGOAT]

What ever you decide on be sure to get 2 estaments and the unit is of corect size,(see if both agree)or it will run all the time and shorten its life.......YG