Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible
Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, like any other utility, it does best with routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means more affordable energy use!
Here are some practical tips to extend the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many years to come.
Replace the Filter Regularly
The filter blocks dust, animal dander and other airborne allergens to stop them from reaching the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, restricting airflow and making your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort may cause overheating and sometimes more serious issues.
To maintain efficient performance, don’t forget to check and change the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on total usage and the type of filter in place.
Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss
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 experiences less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.
Keep Up with Routine HVAC Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, your technician examines, cleans and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance helps identify small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly failures. A regular inspection also reduces energy waste, cutting your monthly heating costs.
Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered encourages better airflow. Make sure the area is kept dust-free 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, lowering your energy bill and helping preserve the system.
Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you begin to notice any strange sounds, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small malfunctions can rapidly develop into more severe situations. 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.
Ensure Balanced Airflow
Your furnace will only operate at its best when the circulation between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Sealing off too many of your supply registers can cause excess strain or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This allows your furnace to distribute heat efficiently.
Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature
Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to run way too much, putting excess stress on the entire system. This increased workload causes reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—ideally between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can also adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re asleep or on a trip. These adjustments 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 consider a new model. Modern furnaces provide higher performance than ever while still lowering heating costs. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and better performance make it worthwhile.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running
Maintaining 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 takes pride in helping you keep a complete sense of comfort. Our experienced technicians deliver fast, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re looking for more personalized advice to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!
