How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns
Your furnace works hard to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. Still, just like with other mechanical systems, it benefits from routine care from trained technicians to ensure it performs its best and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace makes it more likely to last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means lower energy bills!
Here are some practical tips to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many years to come.
Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended
The filter captures dirt, fur and other airborne airborne contaminants to stop them from reaching the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, obstructing ventilation and forcing your furnace to operate less efficiently. This added strain may cause furnace troubles and sometimes permanent system damage.
To maintain efficient performance, check and change the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on total usage and the type of filter installed.
Invest in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Another way to lessen your furnace’s total workload is to take what steps you can to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, making it easier for your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. When your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it suffers less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
Keep Up with Routine HVAC Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, a technician inspects, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance spots small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly breakdowns. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.
Tidy Up Around the Furnace
Keeping the area around your furnace clear encourages better airflow. Make sure the area is clean and well away from flammable materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace circulates more efficiently.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to truly fine-tune the heating in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or sleeping. This cuts back on run time, saving energy and minimizing strain.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you start noticing odd humming, uneven heating or unexpected utility spikes, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small issues can gradually develop into more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system better protected.
Maintain Proper Circulation
Your furnace will only operate at its best when the circulation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Blocking or closing too many of your supply registers can cause excess strain or force your furnace to exert more effort than it should. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to move air efficiently.
Avoid Overworking Your Furnace
Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to work overtime, putting extra wear on the entire system. This added energy load causes reduced efficiency. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—such as between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re out of the house. These simple changes cut costs and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right
When your furnace is showing its age and breaks down more often, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while still lowering heating costs. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and better performance make it a cost-effective, practical solution.
Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health
Maintaining your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, improves long-term performance and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you keep a comfortable home environment. Our experienced technicians deliver fast, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re seeking tailored tips to optimize your furnace, please contact us today!
