How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns

Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, just like with other mechanical systems, it does best with routine care from trained technicians to ensure it performs its best and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means more affordable energy use!

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

Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended

The filter traps dirt, animal dander and other airborne allergens to prevent them from entering the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, obstructing ventilation and causing your furnace to exert more effort. This extra wear and tear may cause more problems and sometimes more serious issues.

To maintain efficient performance, don’t forget to check and change the filter as needed, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter you use.

Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss

Another way to minimize your furnace’s overall 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 reduce heat loss, allowing your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace operates more easily, it suffers less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.

Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, your technician examines, cleans and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues before they escalate, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular inspection also reduces energy waste, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Tidy Up Around the Furnace

Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered ensures airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is clean and well clear of flammable materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.

Use a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat allows you to truly fine-tune the heating in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or asleep. This limits operating time, saving energy and helping preserve the system.

Don’t Put Off Furnace Repairs

If you notice unusual noises, uneven heating or rising heating costs, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small problems can rapidly evolve into more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system running.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only function best when the ventilation between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Blocking or closing more than 80% of your supply registers can result in excess strain or force your furnace to exert more effort than it should. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This allows your furnace to circulate warmth efficiently. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to work overtime, putting extra wear on the entire system. This constant demand leads to extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—ideally between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re asleep or on a trip. These adjustments cut costs and lessen any strain on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

As soon as your furnace is old and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces feature higher performance than ever while reducing energy consumption. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and better performance make it a cost-effective, practical solution. 

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Keep Your Furnace Running

Maintaining your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, maximizes efficiency and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you keep a complete sense of comfort. Our experienced technicians offer fast, reliable service.

If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re looking for tailored tips to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!