Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. Still, like any appliance, it does best with consistent upkeep to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace makes it more likely to last years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means lower energy bills!
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 allergens to prevent them from entering the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, restricting airflow and making your furnace to exert more effort. This unnecessary effort can lead to overheating and sometimes permanent system damage.
To maintain efficient performance, check and change the filter as needed, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter in place.
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 sealing around windows and doors will minimize any heat loss, allowing your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. When your furnace runs efficiently, it suffers less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.
Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, your technician checks, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This preventative care helps identify small issues sooner rather than later, preventing costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, lowering your monthly energy bills.
Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace
Keeping the space around your furnace clear encourages steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and well clear of hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more smoothly.
Consider Trying a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to truly fine-tune the heating in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or asleep. This reduces the time your system is running, cutting costs and helping preserve the system.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you start noticing odd humming, stubborn cold spots or rising heating costs, don’t delay checking out these signs of trouble. Even small malfunctions can rapidly become more severe situations. If left unresolved, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system safe.
Ensure Balanced Airflow
Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the ventilation between supply and return vents is balanced. Obstructing the majority of your supply registers can lead to heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help keep things running smoothly, make sure that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to distribute heat as intended.
Avoid Overworking Your Furnace
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run way too much, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This constant demand leads to reduced efficiency. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—for example between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can additionally adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re sleeping. These strategies reduce total heating expenses and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right
If your furnace is outdated and breaks down more often, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces provide the best in heating technology while still lowering heating costs. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and increased efficiency make it a cost-effective, practical solution.
Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health
Properly servicing your furnace prevents breakdowns, maximizes efficiency and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you keep a complete sense of comfort. Our certified 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!
