Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible
Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. But, like any other utility, it benefits from routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means more affordable energy use!
Here are some helpful steps to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many winters to come.
Replace the Filter Regularly
The filter blocks dirt, animal dander and other airborne allergens to keep them out of the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, obstructing ventilation and making your furnace to work harder. This extra wear and tear could result in furnace troubles and sometimes irreparable damage.
To keep things running smoothly, check and swap out the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on total usage and the type of filter installed.
Invest in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Another way to reduce your furnace’s potential 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 minimize any heat loss, allowing your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. When your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it suffers less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps promote your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, a technician inspects, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service helps identify small issues sooner rather than later, preventing costly breakdowns. Regular maintenance also reduces energy waste, lowering your monthly energy bills.
Tidy Up Around the Furnace
Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered promotes better airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well clear of flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more effectively.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or in bed. This limits the time your system is running, cutting costs and helping preserve the system.
Don’t Put Off Furnace Repairs
If you start noticing strange sounds, stubborn cold spots or unexpected utility spikes, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small issues can quickly develop into more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system running.
Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked
Your furnace will only operate at its best when the ventilation between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Sealing off more than 80% of your supply registers can lead to excess strain or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help maintain good performance, make sure that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to move air as intended.
Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature
Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to run constantly, putting excess stress 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—for example between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re out of the house. These simple changes save energy and reduce further stress on your furnace.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
When your furnace is outdated and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces feature 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
Maintaining your furnace prevents breakdowns, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you maintain a warm and comfortable home. Our certified technicians offer efficient, truly Expert service.
If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re looking for tailored tips to maximize your furnace, please contact us today!
