Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. However, like any other utility, it should be given consistent upkeep to ensure it runs smoothly and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace can help it last 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 maintain peak performance for many winters to come.
Change the Filter on a Regular Basis
The filter blocks debris, fur and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, obstructing ventilation and making your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort can lead to overheating and sometimes irreparable damage.
To avoid those kinds of problems, check and replace the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter installed.
Invest in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Another way to reduce your furnace’s potential 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, allowing your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace runs efficiently, it experiences less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.
Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, the technician checks, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, cutting your monthly heating costs.
Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the space around your furnace uncluttered promotes better airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well clear of hazardous materials. This prevents fire hazards, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.
Consider Trying a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or in bed. This limits the time your system is running, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you notice odd humming, uneven heating or rising heating costs, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small issues can gradually develop into more severe breakdowns. If left ignored, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system safe.
Ensure Balanced Airflow
Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the ventilation between supply and return vents is balanced. Sealing off the majority of your supply registers can cause excess strain or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help maintain good performance, make sure that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This allows your furnace to distribute heat properly.
Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to run way too much, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This increased workload results in reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—such as between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re away. These adjustments reduce total heating expenses and lessen any strain on your furnace.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
If your furnace is old and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while still lowering heating costs. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and better performance make it worthwhile.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running
Maintaining your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, improves long-term performance and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you maintain a comfortable home environment. Our experienced technicians offer fast, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re interested in more personalized advice to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!
