How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns

Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, like any other utility, it should be given regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means lower energy bills!

Here are some helpful steps to extend the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many winters to come.

Replace the Filter Regularly

The filter blocks debris, animal dander and other airborne airborne contaminants to keep them out of the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, obstructing ventilation and causing your furnace to operate less efficiently. This unnecessary effort can lead to more problems and sometimes permanent system damage.

To keep things running smoothly, don’t forget to check and change the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on total usage and the type of filter installed.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Another way to minimize your furnace’s total workload is to take what steps you can to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will reduce heat loss, allowing your furnace to reach 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 long-term performance. During the appointment, a technician inspects, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service detects small issues before they become something more serious, preventing costly failures. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

Keeping the space around your furnace clean encourages airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well away from flammable materials. This prevents fire hazards, ensuring your furnace circulates more efficiently.

Consider Trying a Smart 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 sleeping. This cuts back on the time your system is running, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.

Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice

If you begin to notice any unusual noises, stubborn cold spots or higher energy bills, don’t wait to check out these signs of trouble. Even small issues can quickly become more severe breakdowns. If left ignored, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system safe.

Ensure Balanced Airflow

Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the ventilation 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 prevent any issues, make sure that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This enables your furnace to circulate warmth properly. 

Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature

Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run way too much, putting extra wear on the entire system. This added energy load results in extra wear and tear. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—such as between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re out of the house. These simple changes save energy and prevent any excess wear on your furnace. 

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

As soon as your furnace is showing its age and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces feature the best in heating technology while still lowering heating costs. Although the initial investment 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 prevents breakdowns, maximizes efficiency and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you keep a comfortable home environment. Our certified technicians deliver prompt, reliable service.

If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re looking for more personalized advice to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!