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. But, like any appliance, it should be given routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs smoothly and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means lower energy bills!
Here are some practical tips to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many winters to come.
Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended
The filter traps debris, fur and other airborne allergens to stop them from reaching the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, limiting air circulation and causing your furnace to exert more effort. This extra wear and tear may cause more problems and sometimes permanent system damage.
To maintain efficient performance, check and replace the filter on a regular basis, depending on total usage and the type of filter you use.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to lessen your furnace’s overall workload is to take what steps you can to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will minimize any heat loss, allowing your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace runs efficiently, it suffers 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, the technician inspects, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service helps identify small issues before they become something more serious, preventing costly breakdowns. A regular inspection also improves efficiency, saving you more money on energy bills.
Tidy Up Around the Furnace
Keeping the space around your furnace uncluttered promotes better airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and not near any flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more effectively.
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 sleeping. This cuts back on operating time, cutting costs and minimizing strain.
Address Any Repairs Immediately
If you notice odd humming, stubborn cold spots or rising heating costs, don’t delay checking out these red flags. Even small malfunctions can rapidly develop into more severe breakdowns. If left unresolved, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system safe.
Ensure Balanced Airflow
Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the airflow between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Obstructing more than 80% of your supply registers can lead to excess strain or force your furnace to work harder. To help keep things running smoothly, make sure that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to move air properly.
Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to run way too much, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This increased workload results in reduced efficiency. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—for example between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re asleep or on a trip. These simple changes cut costs and lessen any strain on your furnace.
Consider Replacing an Old Furnace
If your furnace is showing its age and breaks down more often, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while still lowering heating costs. Although the upfront cost may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and better performance make it worthwhile.
Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Reliable Furnace Maintenance
Taking care of your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, 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 offer fast, reliable service.
If it’s been a while since your last heating tune-up or if you’re looking for tailored tips to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!
