Heating demands and furnace usage habits differ from home to home, which means that every individual furnace installation will undergo wear and tear at different rates. While there's no way to predict exactly when your furnace will break down or start exhibiting other problems, you can get a clearer picture of the health of your furnace if you understand some common furnace stressors. This guide will explain three factors that determine how often you need a heating system repair.

1. The Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Any heated air that is lost outside your home is energy wasted, and your furnace will have to work harder to replace the lost heat. The more energy-efficient your home is, the less often you will have to use your furnace to stay comfortable, and the longer it will last. Projects like adding attic insulation or upgrading to double-pane windows will reduce the strain on your furnace and may lead to less frequent repairs.

2. The Climate Where You Live

The ambient outdoor air temperature has a significant impact on the lifespan and energy efficiency of a furnace. Your furnace's job is to overcome the temperature differential between the outdoor air and your thermostat setting. If your home is subjected to snow, ice, and extreme cold every winter, you can expect to spend a bit more on maintenance and repairs to support your furnace on the frontlines.

You may be able to avoid more serious furnace problems if you perform a quick furnace check-up before the start of the heating season. The most important thing to keep in mind is whether or not your furnace has adequate airflow. The most important furnace winterizing tasks all revolve around airflow. Remember to change your furnace filter, check that the exhaust flue is clear, and remove any furniture or other obstructions blocking vent registers throughout your home.

3. The Age of Your Furnace

Furnace repair bills can start to pile up as your furnace nears the end of its life. Eventually, factors like corrosion, electrical shorts, and system-wide wear and tear will make maintaining your furnace no longer cost-effective. The need for frequent repairs may start to tip the financial scales toward replacing your furnace after about a decade, and you should consider getting a replacement for furnaces that are more than 15 years old.

The causes of furnace wear and tear aren't always easy to spot. Keep an eye out for these factors that could be increasing how often you need a heating system repair. Contact a heating replacement service near you to learn more.