Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible

Your furnace works hard to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. Still, like any appliance, 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 can help it last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means reduced heating costs!

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

Change the Filter on a Regular Basis

The filter traps dust, pet hair and other airborne allergens to prevent them from entering the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, obstructing ventilation and making your furnace to exert more effort. This added strain could result in more problems and sometimes more serious issues.

To keep things running smoothly, don’t forget to check and replace the filter as needed, depending on total usage and the type of filter in place.

Invest in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Another way to minimize your furnace’s total 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 keep heat from escaping, allowing your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. When your furnace operates more easily, it undergoes less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional supports your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, a technician examines, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues sooner rather than later, preventing costly repairs. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

Keeping the area around your furnace clean ensures airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well clear of hazardous materials. This prevents fire hazards, ensuring your furnace performs more smoothly.

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 in bed. This cuts back on run time, cutting costs and helping preserve the system.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you start noticing strange sounds, stubborn cold spots or rising heating costs, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small malfunctions can quickly develop into more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could affect the total 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 too many 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 the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to move air properly. 

Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature

Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to run constantly, putting extra wear on the entire system. This added energy load results in extra wear and tear. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—such as between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also adjust the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees while you’re sleeping. These strategies reduce total heating expenses and reduce further stress on your furnace. 

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

If your furnace is showing its age and breaks down more often, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces provide higher performance than ever while still lowering heating costs. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and increased efficiency make it worthwhile. 

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

Taking care of your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, improves long-term performance and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you enjoy a comfortable home environment. Our licensed technicians deliver fast, trustworthy service.

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