Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life

Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. Still, like any other utility, it benefits from regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly and to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means lower energy bills!

Here are some useful suggestions to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and ensure the best operation for many years to come.

Replace the Filter Regularly

The filter traps debris, animal dander and other airborne airborne contaminants to stop them from reaching the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, obstructing ventilation and making your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort can lead to furnace troubles and sometimes irreparable damage.

To keep things running smoothly, remember to check and change the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter installed.

Invest in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Another way to reduce 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 keep heat from escaping, allowing your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it suffers less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, a technician checks, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service detects small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular inspection also improves efficiency, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Tidy Up Around the Furnace

Keeping the space around your furnace clean encourages steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and not near any hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more smoothly.

Use a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or asleep. This reduces operating time, cutting costs and helping preserve the system.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you notice unusual noises, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small issues can gradually become more severe breakdowns. If left unchecked, it could affect the total 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 operate at its best when the circulation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Blocking or closing the majority of your supply registers can lead to overheating or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help keep things running smoothly, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This allows your furnace to move air properly. 

Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature

Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to run way too much, putting extra wear on the entire system. This added energy load causes reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—such as between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re sleeping. These simple changes reduce total heating expenses and prevent any excess wear on your furnace. 

Consider Replacing an Old Furnace

When your furnace is outdated and breaks down more often, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces offer the best in heating technology while still lowering heating costs. Although the upfront cost may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and increased efficiency make it a smart choice. 

Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health

Properly servicing your furnace prevents breakdowns, improves long-term performance and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you maintain a warm and comfortable home. Our licensed technicians provide prompt, trustworthy service.

If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re seeking tailored tips to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!