How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace and Avoid Breakdowns

Your furnace works hard to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. Still, like any other utility, it does best with consistent upkeep to ensure it performs its best and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Proper maintenance for your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!

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

Swap Out Your Furnace Filter When Recommended

The filter traps dirt, pet hair and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more delicate components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, restricting airflow and forcing your furnace to exert more effort. This added strain could result in more problems and sometimes irreparable damage.

To maintain efficient performance, don’t forget to check and replace the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter in place.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Another way to minimize your furnace’s total workload is to take what steps you can to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, making it easier for your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. When your furnace runs efficiently, it undergoes less wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, the technician examines, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance detects small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly failures. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, saving you more money on energy bills.

Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

Keeping the space around your furnace uncluttered ensures steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well away from hazardous materials. This avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace circulates more efficiently.

Consider Trying a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat allows you to truly fine-tune the heating in your home, through features such as scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or asleep. This reduces the time your system is running, cutting costs and minimizing strain.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you notice odd humming, temperature inconsistencies or rising heating costs, don’t postpone looking into these red flags. Even small issues can quickly develop into more severe situations. If left unchecked, 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 perform at its peak when the airflow between supply and return vents is balanced. Sealing off too many of your supply registers can result in excess strain or force your furnace to exert more effort than it should. To help keep things running smoothly, make sure that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This enables your furnace to circulate warmth efficiently. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to work overtime, putting extra wear on the entire system. This constant demand leads to reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—for example between 68-72° F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re away. These adjustments reduce total heating expenses and reduce further stress on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

As soon as your furnace is outdated and breaks down more often, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces provide higher performance than ever while still reducing total power use. Although the pricetag may be higher than a repair, the long-term savings and increased efficiency make it a smart choice. 

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 extend its total potential lifespan. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you maintain a warm and comfortable home. Our experienced technicians provide prompt, trustworthy service.

If it’s been a while since your last maintenance visit or if you’re interested in tailored tips to strengthen your furnace, please contact us today!