Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly as Long as Possible

Your furnace works hard to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, like any other utility, it should be given routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to reduce the risk of any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace can help it last 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 maintain peak performance for many winters to come.

Change the Filter on a Regular Basis

The filter traps debris, pet hair and other airborne allergens to keep them out of the system’s more vulnerable components. Over time, the filter gets clogged with debris, obstructing ventilation and forcing your furnace to work harder. This added strain may cause furnace troubles and sometimes permanent system damage.

To keep things running smoothly, check and change the filter on a regular basis, depending on your heating habits 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 boost your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and sealing around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, making it easier for your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace operates more easily, it suffers less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.

Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional ensures your furnace’s overall health. During the appointment, the technician examines, cleans and otherwise optimizes the system for best performance. This proactive service detects small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear

Keeping the space around your furnace uncluttered encourages steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is cleaned regularly and well away from hazardous materials. This prevents fire hazards, ensuring your furnace circulates more smoothly.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat allows you to truly fine-tune the heating in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or asleep. This cuts back on operating time, cutting costs and minimizing strain.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you begin to notice any unusual noises, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t postpone looking into these red flags. Even small issues can gradually evolve into more severe situations. If left unresolved, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system running.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only function best when the airflow between supply and return vents is balanced. Obstructing the majority of your supply registers can cause overheating or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that your air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to move air efficiently. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to run way too much, putting excess stress on the entire system. This constant demand causes reduced efficiency. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, 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 sleeping. These adjustments cut costs and lessen any strain on your furnace. 

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model

When your furnace is showing its age and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces feature higher performance than ever while still reducing total power use. Although the initial investment may be higher than a repair, the total lifetime repair costs and better performance make it a cost-effective, practical solution. 

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

Taking care of your furnace reduces the risk of malfunctions, maximizes efficiency and can even ensure a long service life. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing takes pride in helping you keep a complete sense of comfort. Our licensed technicians provide prompt, reliable service.

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