Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible
Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. However, just like with other mechanical systems, it does best with routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means reduced heating costs!
Here are some helpful steps to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and ensure the best operation for many years to come.
Replace the Filter Regularly
The filter traps dust, pet hair and other airborne allergens to keep them out of the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, limiting air circulation and making your furnace to operate less efficiently. This extra wear and tear could result in furnace troubles and sometimes permanent system damage.
To keep things running smoothly, check and swap out the filter as needed, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter installed.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to minimize 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 keep heat from escaping, making it easier for your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace operates more easily, it undergoes less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps promote your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, a technician inspects, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service helps identify small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular inspection also reduces energy waste, saving you more money on energy bills.
Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace
Keeping the area around your furnace clear encourages steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well clear of hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more effectively.
Use 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 out or in bed. This cuts back on operating time, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you start noticing strange sounds, uneven heating or unexpected utility spikes, don’t delay checking out these red flags. Even small malfunctions can quickly become more severe situations. If left unresolved, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system safe.
Maintain Proper Circulation
Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the ventilation between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Sealing off more than 80% of your supply registers can result in excess strain or force your furnace to exert more effort than it should. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to distribute heat as intended.
Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature
Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to work overtime, putting extra wear on the entire system. This constant demand causes extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—ideally between 68-72° F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re out of the house. These simple changes cut costs and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right
If your furnace is showing its age and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while still lowering heating costs. 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.
Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Reliable Furnace Maintenance
Taking care of 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 is committed to helping you keep a comfortable home environment. Our experienced technicians offer prompt, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re seeking customized recommendations to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
