Goodman furnaces have become well-known in the home improvement industry. They're known for having some of the best warranties available and mid-level prices that make them affordable for the everyday consumer. But how long do Goodman furnaces last? We've looked into the life expectancies of these furnaces, and we will cover them in this post.
On average, a Goodman furnace is known to last anywhere from 15 years up to 30 years. Several factors will go into the furnace's lifespan, but overall it's known to be one of the best brands in the industry. If you're considering replacing a furnace that you didn't install and want to know the age, you can check the side or indoor panel you need to get the model number. You can then search for the model number online or reach out to the manufacturer directly to determine the model's year.
Properly maintaining your furnace can help to extend its lifespan. And there are signs to look for to determine whether or not it's time to replace your furnace. Continue reading to learn more about these signs as well as more details surrounding Goodman furnaces particularly.
Furnace Life Spans
If you buy a furnace from a well-established brand such as Goodman, Lennox, Carrier, or Rheem, you can typically expect these furnaces to last at least 15 years if they are well-maintained. Let's take a look at the main factors that can shorten the lifespan of your furnace.
The make and model of the furnace
It's important to note that all furnaces are not made equal. And even then, some units may be more efficient than others. It's also imperative to consider the size and model of the furnace that you are looking to purchase. And to do this, you'll need to have a professional HVAC contractor assess your potential furnace location to determine the right size for space. For example, installing a furnace that's too small can cause it to overwork and wear out faster than a unit that is appropriately sized for the space.
Age of the furnace
While this may seem obvious, it's helpful to note that the age of your unit will affect how efficient it is. Older furnaces, especially those over ten years old, can start developing issues due to worn-out components. When this happens, the unit may work harder or overcompensate to cause a stress load on other components. And in turn, you'll find that the unit may cause your energy bills to rise during the winter months of the year.
How often the unit is maintained
This is probably one of the most important factors that will affect the lifespan of your furnace. The frequency at which you maintain your furnace is crucial to keep it functioning properly.
It's recommended that you have the furnace professionally maintained once or twice a year. During this process, the technician will inspect the unit for damaged, worn-out components, clean its interior and exterior, and make any recommendations. They'll also replace the air filter, which should be done every one to three months.
Check out these furnace air filters on Amazon.
Installation and location
Another factor that can affect how long the unit lasts is how it was installed. It's always best to have a licensed HVAC contractor install your furnace shooting it as it is a pretty involved process and is needed to keep your home up to local building codes. It's also needed to ensure the efficiency and safety of the unit during operation. Units that are installed incorrectly may not function properly and, in turn, can wear down quicker.
A trained professional can also ensure that there isn't too much moisture or too little airflow around the heat exchanger, which can also reduce the furnace's life. If you have the unit installed in a small space, such as an attic, this is important to consider. Keep in mind that having it installed by someone who isn't licensed can also void the warranty on your furnace.
What is the life expectancy of a Goodman furnace?
The life expectancy of a Goodman furnace is about 15 to 30 years. This range is given that the furnace is installed by a professional and properly maintained throughout its lifespan.
How do I find out what year my furnace is?
You can easily find out the year that your furnace was manufactured by checking the side panel label on the furnace. Most furnaces will have this located on the left or right side panel, though some may have it located on a sticker inside their front panel. You may need a screwdriver to unscrew the nuts of the panel to view the sticker.
Which furnace is better Goodman or Lennox?
Both brands provide quality and well-sought after furnaces. But let's look at the main selling points of each.
Lennox furnaces
Efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing a new furnace. Overall, the Lennox systems are said to be more efficient when compared to Goodman furnaces. Overall, their efficiency ratings tend to be a bit higher than Goodman, with many units often having a SEER rating as high as 20. The Lennox brand is also often included at the top of Energy Star's list for the most efficient HVAC units.
Durability
Lennox has an extensive product testing process. During this process, all of the units go through several checkpoints and leakage tests before they are approved to be brought to market. These units are also known to be made with heavy-duty materials and corrosion-resistant.
Lennox furnaces are backed by a warranty of five to 10 years, depending on the model. This warranty includes parts and labor, as well as coverage of operational defects.
Price
On average, you'll find that Lennox furnaces will be a bit more expensive than Goodman Furnaces-typically anywhere from 10-20% higher. However, their level of craftsmanship and quality materials make them worth the bigger price tag.
Goodman furnaces
Efficiency
Goodman furnaces also provide top-notch efficiency as well, though some units more than others. Many of Goodman's furnaces reach an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 96%--which is pretty impressive. This level of efficiency means that you'll save a lot of money on your heating and electric bills.
Durability
Goodman furnaces also have several tests and checkpoints that they must pass before they are brought to market. This includes tests that check for corrosion resistance, efficiency tests, and maximum output tests to demonstrate component durability. These tests, combined with others, ensure that the products will have a long life span and remain resistant to daily operations' typical wear and tear. Also, an ironclad warranty backs these units for materials as well as labor.
Price
These furnaces are known for having very affordable price points. A typical Goodman furnace can start as low as $800, though it can costs well over $3,000.
Overall, both furnace brands have their distinct advantages when deciding which brand may work best for you. It's best to stay within the budget that you have for your unit and the size that you need for your interior location.
Are Goodman furnaces reliable?
Yes. Goodman furnaces have a pretty good reputation as being reliable and durable. The brand has been in business for over 20 years, and it has maintained its reputation through iron-clad 10-year warranties, solid craftsmanship, and quality products. You will find that they offer a combination of economical, mid-level, and higher-quality units to accommodate any furnace budget. You can always opt to receive additional coverage when you purchase their units as well.
When should you replace a furnace?
There are a few signs that will show when it's time to replace your furnace. Let's take a look at the most common ones.
The age of the furnace
If your furnace is nearing the 12 or 15 mark, it may be time to start at least considering updating the furnace. It's usually around this time that you may notice the unit starting to malfunction or operate at a lower efficiency level.
Increased energy bills
An increase in the cost of your energy bills is one of the obvious tell-tale signs of an inefficient furnace and HVAC system. If you compare your bills from the past few years and notice a steady increase, chances are that the furnace, particularly if it's old, is starting to work harder than it did in previous years. In which case, it may be best to contact an HVAC technician and have them test its efficiency.
Strange sounds
Starting to notice strange sounds when your unit powers on or off? If so, chances are that this is an indication of component failure. Whether this occurs once a month or once every power cycle, the issue should be addressed as soon as possible, or it will likely get worse. If you notice any strange kicking or rattling sounds coming from the furnace, chances are that it requires repair or replacement.
It can't hold temperatures
Another tell-tale sign is that the furnace may need to be replaced when it cannot hold steady temperatures in the home. If you notice that the temperatures in the rooms are different or go up and down throughout the day, this could be a simple issue with a thermometer, or the unit can have trouble maintaining the temperature. If the latter is the case, a licensed HVAC technician will need to look at the unit to see why it's having trouble.
Frequent Repairs
Are you having to repair the furnace a few times a year? If that's the case, you will likely need to replace the AC unit completely. The best way to determine whether or not it's time for a replacement as opposed to repair is if the total of all of the repair costs for the year if the repair cost or equal to or more than the cost of a new furnace, it's time to toss out the old one and get a new unit in your home.
How much does a Goodman furnace cost?
A new unit can cost as low as $850 to over $3,000 for larger units. Keep in mind that these ranges are for the furnace itself and don't include accessories or installation.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope that this post has helped you understand the average lifespan of Goodman furnaces and how different factors may reduce or increase their lifespan. Remember, when it comes to ensuring a good lifespan of your furnace, scheduled maintenance and proper installation will always be the most important factors.
Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts:
My Goodman furnace was a bad buy. It needed a call in each of the first two years to fix the A/C, and after 6 years, the main blower motor went. Now, 11 years old, the vent motor is gone. it is crap.
Goodman and York are terrible. I work in Residential HVAC. Stick to Trane, American Standard, Carrier, Bryant, or Lennox.
Goodman furnaces are great, keep them maintained and you should have little or no issues till about the 15-year mark. By that time you should probably replace your unit anyway because it’s a good idea to put your money into a new model
My Goodman furnace is almost 22 years old. Ignitors went bad at 17 year point. I personally replaced them for $89. No trouble since then except the amperage draw is 2.1 vice its normal 1.4.