Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. However, like any other utility, it does best with regular maintenance to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means reduced heating costs!
Here are some helpful steps to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many winters to come.
Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended
The filter traps dust, animal dander and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, obstructing ventilation and causing your furnace to operate less efficiently. This added strain could result in overheating and sometimes permanent system damage.
To avoid those kinds of problems, check and swap out the filter as needed, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter installed.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to lessen your furnace’s potential workload is to take what steps you can to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will minimize any heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. When your furnace runs efficiently, it suffers less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.
Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, a technician examines, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance helps identify small issues before they escalate, preventing costly repairs. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, lowering your monthly energy bills.
Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the space around your furnace clear encourages steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and well clear of hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or asleep. This reduces the time your system is running, cutting costs and minimizing strain.
Address Any Repairs Immediately
If you begin to notice any unusual noises, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t postpone looking into these red flags. Even small issues can gradually become more severe breakdowns. If left ignored, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system safe.
Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked
Your furnace will only operate at its best when the airflow between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Sealing off more than 80% of your supply registers can cause overheating or force your furnace to work harder. To help keep things running smoothly, make sure that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to move air efficiently.
Avoid Overworking Your Furnace
Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to work overtime, putting excess stress on the entire system. This constant demand causes extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—for example between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can additionally adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re away. These strategies reduce total heating expenses and lessen any strain on your furnace.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
If your furnace is showing its age and breaks down more often, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces feature improved performance while reducing energy consumption. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and better performance make it a smart choice.
Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health
Taking care of your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you enjoy a complete sense of comfort. Our experienced technicians provide prompt, truly Expert service.
If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re interested in customized recommendations to optimize your furnace, please contact us today!
