How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns
Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. However, like any other utility, it does best with routine care from trained technicians 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 one left alone. It also means reduced heating costs!
Here are some practical tips to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many winters to come.
Replace the Filter Regularly
The filter blocks dirt, pet hair and other airborne airborne contaminants to stop them from reaching the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, limiting air circulation and forcing your furnace to work harder. This added strain could result in furnace troubles and sometimes more serious issues.
To maintain efficient performance, remember to check and swap out the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on total usage and the type of filter you use.
Invest in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Another way to lessen 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 reduce heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace runs efficiently, it experiences 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, the technician checks, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance spots small issues before they become something more serious, preventing costly failures. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.
Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace
Keeping the area around your furnace clean promotes steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and not near any hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more smoothly.
Consider Trying a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re out or asleep. This reduces operating time, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.
Don’t Put Off Furnace Repairs
If you notice strange sounds, uneven heating or rising heating costs, don’t postpone looking into these red flags. Even small issues can quickly become more severe breakdowns. If left unchecked, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system better protected.
Maintain Proper Circulation
Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the airflow between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Obstructing more than 80% of your supply registers can cause overheating or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help keep things running smoothly, regularly check that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to circulate warmth as intended.
Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to work overtime, putting excess stress on the entire system. This constant demand causes reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—for example between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can also adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re sleeping. These adjustments reduce total heating expenses and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Consider Replacing an Old Furnace
As soon as your furnace is old and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while still lowering heating costs. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and increased efficiency make it worthwhile.
Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Reliable Furnace Maintenance
Properly servicing your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you keep a warm and comfortable home. Our licensed technicians deliver efficient, trustworthy service.
If it’s been a while since your last heating tune-up or if you’re interested in customized recommendations to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!
