Mud and Paul (and Andres) are keen to make an infographic about home heat choices. Across the top will be types of heat. And down the left side will be attributes/metrics. With each metric will be a link to a
thread that will act as a source for that row of information in the infographic. Or, hopefully, a bit of a bibliography. This thread is one of those threads.
Paul thinks that this work is so very critically important that he wanted to see if by starting these threads, the work can get started. He very much hopes that you all will add to this effort so that we might be done in a tenth of the time than if it were just him and Mud working on it.
All of the metrics for all of infographic is focused on "average for montana". Keeping in mind that the average Montana home is 2000 square feet.
The row for this thread is Estimated Lifespan and will contain data for the following types of heating systems:
Electric Baseboard - 40+ years
Replacement parts are generally cheap, generic and ubiquitous.
Mini Splits - 14 years on average
20 years with proper maintenance. 10 years or less without proper maintenance if parts remain available. Average life span 14 years (industry numbers).
In Ground Heat Pump - needs a major rebuild every 15 years
Expected lifespan 30+ years with major rebuild expected every 15 years if maintenance parts are still available.
Central Natural Gas Furnace - 17 years on average
15 to 20 years if parts remain available.
Central Propane Furnace - 17 years on average
15 to 20 years if parts remain available. Maintenance makes a significant difference in life span.
Pellet Stove - 17 years on average
15 to 20 years if parts remain available. Maintenance makes a big difference in life span.
Wood Stove - 40+ years
Modern wood stove - overhaul in 7 years, replace in 15 years on average
Critical parts may need to be replaced every five to seven years. Reports are that these stoves generally last 10 to 20 years.
Masonry Heater - Up to 25 years
"Up to 25 years" - Masonry
Heaters Guild
Rocket Mass Heater - 40+ years
Generally, easier to maintain than masonry heaters.