Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible

Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. But, like any other utility, it does best with consistent upkeep to ensure it performs its best and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means more affordable energy use!

Here are some practical tips 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 captures dust, animal dander and other airborne airborne contaminants to prevent them from entering the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, limiting air circulation and making your furnace to operate less efficiently. This unnecessary effort could result in furnace troubles and sometimes more serious issues.

To keep things running smoothly, remember to check and replace the filter on a regular basis, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter installed.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Another way to reduce 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. When 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 supports your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, the technician examines, cleans and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This preventative care helps identify small issues before they escalate, preventing costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear

Keeping the area around your furnace clean promotes better airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well clear of flammable materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace circulates more effectively.

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 away or sleeping. This cuts back on run time, saving energy and minimizing strain.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you notice unusual noises, temperature inconsistencies or rising heating costs, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small malfunctions can gradually become more severe breakdowns. If left unchecked, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system safe.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the ventilation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Sealing off more than 80% of your supply registers can lead to heat buildup or force your furnace to exert more effort than it should. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This allows your furnace to distribute heat properly. 

Avoid Overworking Your Furnace

Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to work overtime, putting excess stress on the entire system. This constant demand causes reduced efficiency. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—such as between 68-72° F. You can also adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re sleeping. These adjustments save energy and lessen any strain on your furnace. 

Consider Replacing an Old Furnace

As soon as your furnace is outdated and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces provide improved performance while reducing energy consumption. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and better performance make it a cost-effective, practical solution. 

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

Properly servicing your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, maximizes efficiency and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you maintain a warm and comfortable home. Our experienced technicians deliver prompt, trustworthy service.

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