How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. However, just like with other mechanical systems, it benefits from regular maintenance to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!
Here are some practical tips to extend the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many winters to come.
Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended
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 becomes blocked with debris, restricting airflow and making your furnace to operate less efficiently. This unnecessary effort could result in more problems and sometimes permanent system damage.
To avoid those kinds of problems, remember to check and change the filter on a regular basis, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter installed.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to minimize 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 minimize any heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it undergoes less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.
Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps promote your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, a technician examines, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This preventative care spots small issues before they become something more serious, preventing costly repairs. A regular inspection also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.
Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the space around your furnace clear encourages airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is clean and well away from hazardous materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace circulates more efficiently.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or in bed. This cuts back on the time your system is running, cutting costs and helping preserve the system.
Address Any Repairs Immediately
If you begin to notice any unusual noises, stubborn cold spots or unexpected utility spikes, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small malfunctions can rapidly develop into more severe situations. If left ignored, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system better protected.
Ensure Balanced Airflow
Your furnace will only function best when the airflow between supply and return vents is balanced. Sealing off more than 80% of your supply registers can lead to heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, make sure that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This enables your furnace to distribute heat properly.
Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run constantly, putting extra wear on the entire system. This increased workload leads to extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—for example between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re out of the house. These adjustments cut costs 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 feature 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.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running
Properly servicing your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, maximizes efficiency and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you keep a warm and comfortable home. Our experienced technicians provide fast, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re seeking more personalized advice to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
