Find top rated oil furnace repair pros in your area

Most furnaces last 15 to 30 years, and electric models often outlast gas units. Hitting the high end of that range comes down to you: swap filters on schedule, book yearly inspections, and tackle repairs quickly. Climate plays a role, too—systems in frigid zones work harder and may retire sooner. Treat the equipment well, and it can deliver safe, efficient heat for decades.

Signs your furnace needs help show up fast: rooms that won’t warm up, odd banging or squealing, musty or burning smells, or utility bills that suddenly spike. Any of those red flags point to a part that’s failing—or worse, a safety issue. Shut the system off, check the filter, and call a local HVAC pro. Quick attention keeps minor glitches from snowballing into bigger, more expensive breakdowns.

A basic filter swap takes five minutes, but a full furnace cleaning is a different story. Pros need 60 to 90 minutes to vacuum the cabinet, brush burners, inspect the heat exchanger, and flush the condensate line. Add extra time if ductwork or coil cleaning is on the agenda. Aim for this deeper service once a year; it boosts efficiency, spots safety issues early, and keeps warranties intact.

Use the 50-percent rule: if the repair quote is more than half the cost of a new furnace, and the unit is pushing 10 years, start pricing replacements. Younger systems with minor problems often deserve a quick fix, especially if they’re still under warranty. Newer models bring higher efficiency, quieter operation, and stronger safety features, so the upfront spend often pays you back through lower monthly bills.