How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns

Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. Still, just like with other mechanical systems, it does best with routine care from trained technicians to ensure it performs its best and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!

Here are some helpful steps to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many years to come.

Replace the Filter Regularly

The filter blocks dirt, fur and other airborne particles to prevent them from entering the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, limiting air circulation and making your furnace to exert more effort. This unnecessary effort could result in overheating and sometimes more serious issues.

To keep things running smoothly, check and change 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 minimize your furnace’s total 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 reduce heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace operates more easily, it experiences less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional supports your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, the technician inspects, services and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service helps identify small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear

Keeping the area around your furnace clear encourages better airflow. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and well clear of hazardous materials. This prevents fire hazards, ensuring your furnace performs more smoothly.

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 sleeping. This reduces the time your system is running, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.

Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice

If you start noticing strange sounds, stubborn cold spots or higher energy bills, don’t wait to check out these signs of trouble. Even small malfunctions can quickly become more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system better protected.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the circulation between supply and return vents is balanced. Blocking or closing too many of your supply registers can cause overheating or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, make sure that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This allows your furnace to move air efficiently. 

Avoid Overworking Your Furnace

Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run constantly, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This added energy load results in extra wear and tear. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—ideally between 68-72° F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re sleeping. These strategies save energy and reduce further stress on your furnace. 

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

As soon as your furnace is old and breaks down more often, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces feature improved performance 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

Properly servicing your furnace prevents breakdowns, maximizes efficiency and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing specializes in helping you keep a warm and comfortable home. Our licensed technicians provide prompt, reliable service.

If it’s been a while since your last furnace tune-up or if you’re interested in customized recommendations to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!