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 routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!

Here are some useful suggestions to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many winters to come.

Change the Filter on a Regular Basis

The filter blocks dirt, fur and other airborne allergens to prevent them from entering the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, obstructing ventilation and forcing your furnace to exert more effort. This extra wear and tear can lead to more problems and sometimes irreparable damage.

To keep things running smoothly, remember to check and swap out the filter as needed, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter you use.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

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 reach a comfortable temperature. As long as your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, 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 long-term performance. During the appointment, the technician inspects, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance detects small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular inspection also improves efficiency, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

Keeping the space around your furnace clear promotes airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and well clear of flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more effectively.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re out or in bed. This reduces run time, saving energy and minimizing strain.

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 develop into more severe breakdowns. If left unresolved, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system better protected.

Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked

Your furnace will only function best when the airflow between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Sealing off too many of your supply registers can lead to excess strain or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help keep things running smoothly, regularly check that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to move air properly. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to work overtime, putting extra wear on the entire system. This increased workload causes reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—ideally between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can additionally adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re asleep or on a trip. These simple changes reduce total heating expenses and reduce further stress on your furnace. 

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

If your furnace is showing its age and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces feature improved performance while reducing energy consumption. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and better performance make it a cost-effective, practical solution. 

Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health

Taking care of your furnace prevents breakdowns, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you enjoy a complete sense of comfort. Our licensed technicians offer fast, truly Expert service.

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