Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible
Your furnace works hard to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. Still, just like with other mechanical systems, it should be given regular maintenance to ensure it performs its best and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means more affordable energy use!
Here are some practical tips to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and ensure the best operation for many winters to come.
Replace the Filter Regularly
The filter captures dirt, fur and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, restricting airflow and forcing your furnace to work harder. This extra wear and tear may cause overheating and sometimes irreparable damage.
To keep things running smoothly, check and replace the filter on a regular basis, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter installed.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to reduce your furnace’s total workload is to take what steps you can to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will reduce heat loss, allowing your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. When 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 supports your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, a technician inspects, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance spots small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly repairs. 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 kept dust-free and not near any flammable materials. This prevents fire hazards, ensuring your furnace performs more effectively.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or asleep. This limits the time your system is running, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.
Don’t Put Off Furnace Repairs
If you begin to notice any unusual noises, stubborn cold spots or higher energy bills, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small malfunctions can gradually develop into more severe situations. If left unresolved, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system running.
Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked
Your furnace will only function best when the ventilation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Blocking or closing the majority of your supply registers can result in overheating or force your furnace to work harder. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This allows your furnace to move air as intended.
Avoid Overworking Your Furnace
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run constantly, putting extra wear on the entire system. This added energy load leads to reduced efficiency. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—for example between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re out of the house. These strategies cut costs and prevent any excess wear on your furnace.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
When your furnace is old and breaks down more often, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces feature higher performance than ever while still lowering heating costs. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and increased efficiency make it a smart choice.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running
Properly servicing your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you maintain a comfortable home environment. Our licensed technicians deliver fast, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re looking for more personalized advice to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
