How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace
Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. But, like any appliance, it should be given 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 left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!
1. Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered encourages steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and not near any hazardous materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace performs more smoothly.
2. Keep Up with Routine HVAC Maintenance
Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps promote your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, the technician examines, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues before they become something more serious, preventing costly breakdowns. A regular inspection also improves efficiency, saving you more money on energy bills.
3. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Another way to reduce your furnace’s overall 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, allowing your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace runs efficiently, it experiences less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.
4. Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice
If you begin to notice any odd humming, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t wait to check out these concerns. Even small malfunctions can gradually develop into more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system safe.
5. Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run constantly, putting extra wear on the entire system. This increased workload causes extra wear and tear. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—such as between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re sleeping. These simple changes save energy and lessen any strain on your furnace.
6. Replace the Filter Regularly
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 gets clogged with debris, obstructing ventilation and forcing your furnace to exert more effort. This extra wear and tear can lead to furnace troubles and sometimes irreparable damage.
To avoid those kinds of problems, remember to check and change the filter as needed, depending on your heating habits and the type of filter you use.
7. Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right
As soon as your furnace is old and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces feature improved performance while still reducing total power use. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and better performance make it worthwhile.
8. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or asleep. This cuts back on operating time, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.
9. Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked
Your furnace will only operate at its best when the circulation between supply and return vents is balanced. Blocking or closing too many of your supply registers can result in overheating or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This allows your furnace to circulate warmth efficiently.
Choose Arundel Cooling to Keep Your Furnace Running
Taking care of your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even promote a longer service life. Arundel Cooling is committed to helping you enjoy a comfortable home environment. Our experienced technicians offer fast, trustworthy service.
If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re looking for tailored tips to optimize your furnace, please contact us today!
