Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible

Your furnace works tirelessly to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. But, like any other utility, it should be given regular maintenance to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Taking care of your furnace ensures it lasts 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 blocks dirt, fur and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, restricting airflow and forcing your furnace to exert more effort. This unnecessary effort can lead to more problems and sometimes irreparable damage.

To avoid those kinds of problems, don’t forget to check and change the filter as needed, depending on total usage and the type of filter you use.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Another way to reduce 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 reduce heat loss, allowing your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. When your furnace operates more easily, it undergoes less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, your technician checks, cleans and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly failures. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

Keeping the area around your furnace clean promotes airflow and safe operation. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and well clear of flammable materials. This prevents fire hazards, ensuring your furnace circulates more effectively.

Consider Trying a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away 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 begin to notice any strange sounds, uneven heating or higher energy bills, don’t postpone looking into these concerns. Even small issues can quickly become more severe situations. If left unchecked, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system better protected.

Keep All Vents and Registers Unblocked

Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the airflow between supply and return vents is balanced. Blocking or closing the majority of your supply registers can lead to overheating or force your furnace to work harder. To help keep things running smoothly, regularly check that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any rugs. This allows your furnace to circulate warmth as intended. 

Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature

Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to work overtime, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This increased workload causes extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—for example between 68-72° F. You can additionally adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re sleeping. These adjustments reduce total heating expenses and prevent any excess wear 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 upgrade. Modern furnaces feature the best in heating technology while still reducing total power use. Although the upfront cost may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs 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 reduces the risk of malfunctions, improves long-term performance and can even promote a longer service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to helping you maintain a complete sense of comfort. Our licensed technicians provide efficient, trustworthy service.

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