Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life

Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, like any appliance, it does best with consistent upkeep 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 left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!

Here are some practical tips to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many winters to come.

Change the Filter on a Regular Basis

The filter blocks debris, pet hair and other airborne allergens to stop them from reaching the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, obstructing ventilation and forcing your furnace to exert more effort. This unnecessary effort may cause more problems and sometimes more serious issues.

To keep things running smoothly, don’t forget to check and replace the filter as needed, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter you use.

Invest in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Another way to reduce your furnace’s total workload is to take what steps you can to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, making it easier for your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. As long as your furnace operates more easily, it undergoes less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, your technician checks, cleans and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service helps identify small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly failures. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear

Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered ensures better airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well away from hazardous materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re out or asleep. This limits the time your system is running, saving energy and helping preserve the system.

Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice

If you begin to notice any unusual noises, uneven heating or unexpected utility spikes, don’t postpone looking into these signs of trouble. Even small issues can gradually become more severe breakdowns. If left unresolved, it could affect the total lifespan 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. Blocking or closing the majority of your supply registers can cause overheating or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help keep things running smoothly, make sure that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to circulate warmth efficiently. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to work overtime, putting excess stress on the entire system. This added energy load leads to reduced efficiency. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—such as between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re sleeping. These strategies cut costs and reduce further stress on your furnace. 

Consider Replacing an Old Furnace

When your furnace is showing its age and breaks down more often, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces offer the best in heating technology while reducing energy consumption. Although the upfront cost may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and increased efficiency make it a smart choice. 

Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Reliable Furnace Maintenance

Properly servicing your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, improves long-term performance and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you enjoy a comfortable home environment. Our licensed technicians deliver prompt, reliable service.

If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re looking for customized recommendations to optimize your furnace, please contact us today!