How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns

Your furnace works hard to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. But, just like with other mechanical systems, it should be given routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means lower energy bills!

Here are some helpful steps to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many years to come.

Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended

The filter blocks dust, fur and other airborne airborne contaminants to stop them from reaching the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, restricting airflow and causing your furnace to exert more effort. This unnecessary effort can lead to more problems and sometimes more serious issues.

To keep things running smoothly, check and replace the filter on a regular basis, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter installed.

Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss

Another way to lessen your furnace’s potential workload is to take what steps you can to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, allowing your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. When your furnace operates more easily, it undergoes less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, your technician checks, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service helps identify small issues before they escalate, preventing costly repairs. A regular inspection also reduces energy waste, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

Keeping the area around your furnace clean promotes 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 efficiently.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or in bed. This reduces the time your system is running, cutting costs and helping preserve the system.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you notice odd humming, temperature inconsistencies or rising heating costs, don’t delay checking out these concerns. Even small issues can rapidly become more severe situations. If left ignored, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system running.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the circulation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Sealing off too many of your supply registers can lead to heat buildup or force your furnace to exert more effort than it should. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that all 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 beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run constantly, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This added energy load causes reduced efficiency. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—ideally between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re asleep or on a trip. These strategies reduce total heating expenses and lessen any strain on your furnace. 

Consider Replacing an Old Furnace

As soon as your furnace is outdated and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces offer the best in heating technology while reducing energy consumption. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and increased efficiency make it a cost-effective, practical solution. 

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

Maintaining your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, maximizes efficiency and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you enjoy a warm and comfortable home. Our certified technicians deliver efficient, truly Expert service.

If it’s been a while since your last heating tune-up or if you’re seeking more personalized advice to optimize your furnace, please contact us today!