Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. But, like any other utility, it benefits from consistent upkeep to ensure it runs smoothly and to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means lower energy bills!
Here are some useful suggestions to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and ensure the best operation for many years to come.
Change the Filter on a Regular Basis
The filter blocks debris, pet hair and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, restricting airflow and making your furnace to operate less efficiently. This unnecessary effort may cause overheating and sometimes permanent system damage.
To keep things running smoothly, remember to check and swap out the filter as needed, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter installed.
Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss
Another way to minimize your furnace’s overall workload is to take what steps you can to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, allowing your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. When your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it suffers less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, your technician examines, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance detects small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly repairs. Regular maintenance also reduces energy waste, cutting your monthly heating costs.
Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the space around your furnace clean promotes airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well clear of flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more effectively.
Consider Trying 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 limits run time, cutting costs and minimizing strain.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you notice strange sounds, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small issues can rapidly develop into more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could shorten the 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 perform at its peak when the ventilation between supply and return vents is balanced. Sealing off more than 80% of your supply registers can result in heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to distribute heat efficiently.
Avoid Overworking Your Furnace
Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to run way too much, putting excess stress on the entire system. This constant demand results in reduced efficiency. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—ideally between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re away. These simple changes reduce total heating expenses and lessen any strain on your furnace.
Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right
When your furnace is outdated and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while still lowering heating costs. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and better performance make it a smart choice.
Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health
Maintaining your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you maintain a comfortable home environment. Our certified technicians offer efficient, trustworthy service.
If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re interested in customized recommendations to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
