Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible

Your furnace is working round the clock to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. However, just like with other mechanical systems, it benefits from regular maintenance to ensure it performs its best and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace makes it more likely to last years longer, especially compared to a neglected system. It also means lower energy bills!

Here are some practical tips 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 captures dust, pet hair and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, restricting airflow and forcing your furnace to work harder. This unnecessary effort may cause more problems and sometimes irreparable damage.

To avoid those kinds of problems, don’t forget to check and swap out the filter on a regular basis, depending on total usage and the type of filter in place.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Another way to lessen your furnace’s overall 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. Whenever 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 supports your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, your technician examines, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This preventative care spots small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly failures. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Tidy Up Around the Furnace

Keeping the space around your furnace uncluttered promotes better airflow. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and not near any hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more effectively.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or in bed. This reduces operating time, saving energy and helping preserve the system.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you notice unusual noises, temperature inconsistencies or higher energy bills, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small problems can rapidly become more severe breakdowns. If left unresolved, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system running.

Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked

Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the circulation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Blocking or closing more than 80% of your supply registers can cause excess strain or force your furnace to work harder. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This enables your furnace to move air properly. 

Avoid Overworking Your Furnace

Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run way too much, putting excess stress on the entire system. This constant demand results in 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 away. These strategies cut costs and reduce further stress on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

If your furnace is old and breaks down more often, it may be time to consider a new model. Modern furnaces offer higher performance than ever while still reducing total power use. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and increased efficiency make it a cost-effective, practical solution. 

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

Taking care of your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, enhances its day-to-day operation and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you maintain a complete sense of comfort. Our certified technicians deliver fast, trustworthy 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!