How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns

Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, like any other utility, it does best with regular maintenance to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means lower energy bills!

Here are some practical tips to extend the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many years to come.

Replace the Filter Regularly

The filter captures dirt, animal dander and other airborne allergens to keep them out of the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, restricting airflow and causing your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort may cause furnace troubles and sometimes irreparable damage.

To keep things running smoothly, remember to check and swap out the filter on a regular basis, depending on total usage 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 improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will minimize any heat loss, allowing your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace runs efficiently, it suffers less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional supports your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, the technician checks, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service helps identify small issues before they escalate, preventing costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, lowering your monthly 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 kept dust-free and well away from hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.

Consider Trying 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 out or asleep. This reduces operating time, saving energy and minimizing strain.

Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice

If you start noticing strange sounds, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small malfunctions can quickly become more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs help avoid further damage and keep your system safe.

Ensure Balanced Airflow

Your furnace will only operate at its best when the ventilation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Blocking or closing the majority of your supply registers can result in excess strain or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help prevent any issues, make sure that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to distribute heat efficiently. 

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 added energy load results in extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—ideally between 68-72° F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re asleep or on a trip. These simple changes reduce total heating expenses and prevent any excess wear on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

When your furnace is old and breaks down more often, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces provide the best in heating technology while still lowering heating costs. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and increased efficiency make it a smart choice. 

Rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health

Taking care of your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you maintain a warm and comfortable home. Our certified technicians provide fast, truly Expert service.

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