Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life
Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. Still, just like with other mechanical systems, it does best with consistent upkeep to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace makes it more likely to last years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means more affordable energy use!
Here are some useful suggestions to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and ensure the best operation for many winters to come.
Change the Filter on a Regular Basis
The filter traps dirt, animal dander and other airborne airborne contaminants to stop them from reaching the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, restricting airflow and making your furnace to exert more effort. This extra wear and tear can lead to overheating and sometimes more serious issues.
To keep things running smoothly, remember to check and change the filter on a regular basis, depending on total usage and the type of filter in place.
Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss
Another way to reduce your furnace’s overall workload is to take what steps you can to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, allowing your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. As long as your furnace operates more easily, it undergoes less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, the technician checks, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service detects small issues before they escalate, avoiding costly repairs. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, saving you more money on energy bills.
Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace
Keeping the space around your furnace clear encourages better airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well away from flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more effectively.
Consider Trying a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to truly fine-tune the heating in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or sleeping. This reduces run time, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.
Don’t Put Off Furnace Repairs
If you start noticing odd humming, temperature inconsistencies or rising heating costs, don’t delay checking out these signs of trouble. Even small malfunctions can gradually evolve into more severe breakdowns. If left unchecked, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system better protected.
Maintain Proper Circulation
Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the ventilation between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Obstructing too many of your supply registers can result in heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to move air as intended.
Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to run constantly, putting excess stress on the entire system. This increased workload results in extra wear and tear. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—ideally between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can also adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re asleep or on a trip. These strategies save energy and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right
When your furnace is outdated and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces feature higher performance than ever while still reducing total power use. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and better performance make it a cost-effective, practical solution.
Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health
Taking care of your furnace prevents breakdowns, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you keep a comfortable home environment. Our licensed technicians deliver efficient, trustworthy service.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re seeking more personalized advice to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!
