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. However, like any appliance, it does best with regular maintenance to ensure it performs its best and to avoid 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 useful suggestions to maximize the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many winters to come.

Change the Filter on a Regular Basis

The filter traps debris, animal dander and other airborne airborne contaminants to stop them from reaching the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, restricting airflow and causing your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort could result in furnace troubles and sometimes more serious issues.

To keep things running smoothly, check and change the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter you use.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Another way to reduce your furnace’s potential 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. When your furnace runs efficiently, it experiences less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, your technician examines, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This preventative care spots small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear

Keeping the space around your furnace uncluttered promotes airflow and safe operation. 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 lets you set precise temperatures in your home, through features such as 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.

Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice

If you start noticing odd humming, uneven heating or higher energy bills, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small problems can quickly evolve into more severe situations. If left ignored, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system better protected.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only function best when the ventilation between supply and return vents is balanced. Obstructing too many of your supply registers can cause heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help keep things running smoothly, regularly check that all air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to circulate warmth properly. 

Avoid Overworking Your Furnace

Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to work overtime, putting extra wear on the entire system. This constant demand causes reduced efficiency. To keep it running longer, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—ideally 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 simple changes reduce total heating expenses and lessen any strain on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

If your furnace is outdated and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces feature the best in heating technology while reducing energy consumption. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and better performance make it worthwhile. 

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

Maintaining your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, maximizes efficiency and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you maintain a complete sense of comfort. Our experienced technicians provide efficient, trustworthy service.

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