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 appliance, it should be given consistent upkeep to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts 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 maintain peak performance for many winters to come.

Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended

The filter captures dust, pet hair and other airborne allergens to prevent them from entering the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, limiting air circulation and causing your furnace to exert more effort. This unnecessary effort can lead to overheating and sometimes permanent system damage.

To keep things running smoothly, check and swap out the filter on a regular basis, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter installed.

Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss

Another way to lessen your furnace’s total workload is to take what steps you can to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will minimize any heat loss, allowing your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. As long as your furnace operates more easily, it suffers less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Keep Up with Routine HVAC Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, a technician examines, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance helps identify small issues sooner rather than later, preventing costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Tidy Up Around the Furnace

Keeping the area around your furnace clear ensures airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well clear of hazardous materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace circulates more smoothly.

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 away or sleeping. 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 strange sounds, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t delay checking out these signs of trouble. Even small malfunctions can quickly evolve into more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system running.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only operate at its best when the airflow between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Obstructing too many of your supply registers can result in overheating or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, make sure that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This allows your furnace to move air properly. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to work overtime, putting excess stress on the entire system. This added energy load causes extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—ideally between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re away. These strategies cut costs and prevent any excess wear on your furnace. 

Consider Replacing an Old Furnace

If your furnace is outdated and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while reducing energy consumption. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and increased efficiency make it a smart choice. 

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running

Taking care of your furnace prevents breakdowns, maximizes efficiency and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you maintain a warm and comfortable home. Our experienced technicians deliver prompt, reliable service.

If it’s been a while since your last heating tune-up or if you’re looking for tailored tips to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!