Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. Still, like any appliance, it should be given consistent upkeep to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace makes it more likely to last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!
Here are some helpful steps 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 captures dust, pet hair and other airborne allergens to stop them from reaching the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, restricting airflow and making your furnace to operate less efficiently. This extra wear and tear may cause furnace troubles and sometimes irreparable damage.
To maintain efficient performance, remember to check and swap out the filter on a regular basis, depending on total usage and the type of filter in place.
Invest in Your Home's Energy Efficiency
Another way to reduce your furnace’s potential 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 maintain a comfortable temperature. When your furnace operates more easily, it experiences less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps promote your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, the technician examines, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This preventative care spots small issues before they become something more serious, preventing costly failures. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, saving you more money on energy bills.
Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace
Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered ensures better airflow. Make sure the area is clean and well away from flammable materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.
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 asleep. This limits operating time, cutting costs and minimizing strain.
Don't Put Off Furnace Repairs
If you begin to notice any strange sounds, stubborn cold spots or higher energy bills, don’t postpone looking into these signs of trouble. Even small issues can rapidly develop into more severe breakdowns. If left unresolved, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system safe.
Maintain Proper Circulation
Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the airflow between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Obstructing too many of your supply registers can lead to excess strain or force your furnace to exert more effort than it should. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to distribute heat efficiently.
Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to work overtime, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This added energy load results in reduced efficiency. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—for example between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re asleep or on a trip. These strategies cut costs and prevent any excess wear on your furnace.
Consider Replacing an Old Furnace
As soon as your furnace is outdated and breaks down more often, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while reducing energy consumption. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and better performance make it a smart choice.
Trust Service Experts for Reliable Furnace Maintenance
Maintaining your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, maximizes efficiency and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts specializes in helping you keep a complete sense of comfort. Our certified technicians provide fast, truly Expert service.
If it’s been a while since your last heating tune-up or if you’re interested in more personalized advice to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
