Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, like any other utility, it does best with regular maintenance to ensure it performs its best and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Taking care of your furnace makes it more likely to last years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means reduced heating costs!
Here are some helpful steps to extend the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many years to come.
Change the Filter on a Regular Basis
The filter traps dirt, pet hair 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 causing your furnace to exert more effort. This extra wear and tear could result in more problems and sometimes irreparable damage.
To maintain efficient performance, don’t forget to check and replace the filter as needed, depending on total usage and the type of filter installed.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to lessen your furnace’s overall 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 hold a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace runs efficiently, it suffers less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.
Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps promote your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, a technician examines, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues before they escalate, avoiding costly failures. A regular inspection also reduces energy waste, lowering your monthly energy bills.
Tidy Up Around the Furnace
Keeping the space around your furnace clear promotes better airflow. Make sure the area is clean and not near any flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more efficiently.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or in bed. This reduces run time, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you start noticing odd humming, stubborn cold spots or unexpected utility spikes, don’t postpone looking into these signs of trouble. Even small problems can quickly become more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent 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 evenly distributed. Sealing off too many of your supply registers can result in heat buildup or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This enables your furnace to move air as intended.
Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature
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 extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—for example between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can additionally adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re away. These strategies reduce total heating expenses and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Consider Replacing an Old Furnace
If your furnace is old and breaks down more often, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces provide improved performance while reducing energy consumption. Although the upfront cost may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and increased efficiency make it worthwhile.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running
Maintaining your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, maximizes efficiency and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you enjoy a complete sense of comfort. Our experienced technicians provide prompt, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re interested in more personalized advice to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
