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. Still, like any other utility, it does best with regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly and to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means lower energy bills!
Here are some practical tips to extend the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many winters to come.
Change the Filter on a Regular Basis
The filter captures debris, animal dander and other airborne particles to stop them from reaching the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, obstructing ventilation and forcing your furnace to operate less efficiently. This added strain may cause overheating and sometimes more serious issues.
To keep things running smoothly, check and swap out the filter as needed, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter installed.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to lessen 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 reduce heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to maintain 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 long-term performance. During the appointment, the technician inspects, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance detects small issues before they escalate, avoiding costly repairs. Regular maintenance also reduces energy waste, saving you more money on energy bills.
Tidy Up Around the Furnace
Keeping the space around your furnace clear ensures better airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well away from flammable materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more effectively.
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 away or asleep. This limits the time your system is running, lowering your energy bill and helping preserve the system.
Address Any Repairs Immediately
If you begin to notice any strange sounds, stubborn cold spots or rising heating costs, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small issues can quickly develop 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 airflow between supply and return vents is well-regulated. Blocking or closing too many of your supply registers can cause heat buildup 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 furniture. This enables your furnace to move air efficiently.
Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to work overtime, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This constant demand results in reduced efficiency. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—such as between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can also adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re out of the house. These strategies cut costs and prevent any excess wear on your furnace.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
If your furnace is outdated and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces offer higher performance than ever while still reducing total power use. Although the upfront cost may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and increased efficiency make it worthwhile.
Trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Reliable Furnace Maintenance
Maintaining your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you keep a warm and comfortable home. Our certified technicians offer prompt, trustworthy service.
If it’s been a while since your last heating tune-up or if you’re looking for tailored tips to optimize your furnace, please contact us today!
