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. But, like any appliance, it benefits from regular maintenance to ensure it performs its best and to avoid 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 helpful steps 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 traps dirt, pet hair and other airborne airborne contaminants to stop them from reaching the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, limiting air circulation and forcing your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort could result in more problems and sometimes permanent system damage.
To maintain efficient performance, check and change the filter as needed, depending on total usage and the type of filter in place.
Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss
Another way to lessen your furnace’s potential workload is to take what steps you can to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will reduce heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. When your furnace operates more easily, it experiences less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.
Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional supports your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, a technician checks, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This preventative care detects small issues before they escalate, preventing costly breakdowns. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, saving you more money on energy bills.
Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered promotes steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is clean and well clear of hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.
Install a Programmable 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 away or asleep. This reduces operating time, lowering your energy bill and helping preserve the system.
Don’t Put Off Furnace Repairs
If you start noticing unusual noises, stubborn cold spots or higher energy bills, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small problems can gradually develop into more severe breakdowns. If left unresolved, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system running.
Ensure Balanced Airflow
Your furnace will only operate at its best when the airflow between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Obstructing the majority of your supply registers can result in overheating or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help keep things running smoothly, regularly check that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This enables your furnace to move air as intended.
Avoid Overworking Your Furnace
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run way too much, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This increased workload leads to reduced efficiency. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—ideally between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re away. These strategies save energy and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Consider Replacing an Old Furnace
As soon as your furnace is old and breaks down more often, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces provide the best in heating technology while still reducing total power use. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and increased efficiency make it worthwhile.
Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Reliable Furnace Maintenance
Taking care of your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, improves long-term performance and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you maintain a warm and comfortable home. Our certified technicians offer fast, trustworthy service.
If it’s been a while since your last heating tune-up or if you’re seeking tailored tips to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!
