How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. However, like any appliance, it should be given routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means lower energy bills!
Here are some useful suggestions to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and ensure the best operation for many years to come.
Change the Filter on a Regular Basis
The filter blocks dirt, fur and other airborne allergens to stop them from reaching the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, obstructing ventilation and making your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort can lead to furnace troubles and sometimes permanent system damage.
To avoid those kinds of problems, remember to check and swap out the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter in place.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
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 reduce heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. When your furnace operates more easily, it undergoes less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional supports your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, a technician examines, cleans and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance helps identify small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly failures. Regular maintenance also reduces energy waste, lowering your monthly energy bills.
Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the space around your furnace clean promotes airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and well away from flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more efficiently.
Consider Trying a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or asleep. This limits the time your system is running, saving energy and helping preserve the system.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you start noticing strange sounds, uneven heating or rising heating costs, don’t delay checking out these signs of trouble. Even small issues can gradually become more severe situations. If left unresolved, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system running.
Maintain Proper Circulation
Your furnace will only function best when the ventilation between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Obstructing the majority of your supply registers can cause heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This enables your furnace to distribute heat efficiently.
Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run way too much, putting excess stress on the entire system. This increased workload leads to reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—ideally between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can additionally adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re sleeping. These simple changes cut costs and lessen any strain on your furnace.
Consider Replacing an Old Furnace
If your furnace is showing its age and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces feature improved performance while still lowering heating costs. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and better performance make it a smart choice.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running
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 is committed to helping you maintain a comfortable home environment. Our certified technicians provide prompt, trustworthy service.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re looking for tailored tips to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
