How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns

Your furnace works hard 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 smoothly and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means reduced heating costs!

Here are some helpful steps to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many years to come.

Replace the Filter Regularly

The filter blocks debris, fur and other airborne particles to stop them from reaching the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, obstructing ventilation and forcing your furnace to operate less efficiently. This unnecessary effort can lead to more problems and sometimes permanent system damage.

To avoid those kinds of problems, remember to check and change the filter as needed, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter in place.

Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss

Another way to lessen your furnace’s overall workload is to take what steps you can to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, allowing your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. When your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it suffers less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.

Keep Up with Routine HVAC 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 detects small issues before they escalate, preventing costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, saving you more money on energy bills.

Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered promotes steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is clean 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 allows you to truly fine-tune the heating in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or sleeping. This limits operating time, lowering your energy bill and helping preserve the system.

Don’t Put Off Furnace Repairs

If you start noticing odd humming, stubborn cold spots or higher energy bills, don’t wait to check out these signs of trouble. Even small problems can quickly evolve into more severe situations. If left unresolved, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system better protected.

Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked

Your furnace will only function best when the ventilation between supply and return vents is balanced. Blocking or closing more than 80% of your supply registers can lead to heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, make sure that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This allows your furnace to circulate warmth efficiently. 

Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature

Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to run way too much, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This added energy load causes reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—ideally between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can also adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re sleeping. These adjustments save energy and reduce further stress on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

When your furnace is showing its age and breaks down more often, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces feature improved performance 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. 

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

Properly servicing your furnace prevents breakdowns, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to helping you keep a comfortable home environment. Our certified technicians provide prompt, truly Expert service.

If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re interested in tailored tips to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!