Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life

Your furnace works hard to keep your home at a warm, comfortable temperature all winter long. However, just like with other mechanical systems, it should be given regular maintenance to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Maintaining your furnace ensures it lasts years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means reduced heating costs!

Here are some helpful steps to extend the lifespan of your furnace and keep it running more efficiently for many winters to come.

Replace the Filter Regularly

The filter traps debris, animal dander and other airborne airborne contaminants to keep them out of the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, limiting air circulation and causing your furnace to work harder. This added strain can lead to more problems and sometimes more serious issues.

To avoid those kinds of problems, don’t forget to check and replace 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 reduce 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 keep heat from escaping, making it easier for your furnace to reach a comfortable temperature. When your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it undergoes less wear and tear, increasing its lifespan.

Schedule Yearly HVAC Tune-Ups

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional supports your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, the technician examines, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues before they become something more serious, preventing costly failures. A regular tune-up also improves efficiency, saving you more money on energy bills.

Keep the Area Near Your Furnace Clear

Keeping the area around your furnace uncluttered encourages better airflow. Make sure the area is clean and well clear of hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace circulates more effectively.

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 away or sleeping. This limits run time, lowering your energy bill and helping preserve the system.

Address Any Repairs Immediately

If you start noticing unusual noises, temperature inconsistencies or rising heating costs, don’t wait to check out these red flags. Even small issues can gradually evolve into more severe breakdowns. If left ignored, it could shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs can prevent further damage and keep your system safe.

Ensure Balanced Airflow

Your furnace will only function best when the circulation between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Obstructing more than 80% of your supply registers can lead to heat buildup or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help maintain good performance, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This allows your furnace to circulate warmth properly. 

Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat too high forces your furnace to work overtime, putting extra wear on the entire system. This increased workload leads to extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to a seasonally appropriate temperature—for example between 68 and 72 degrees F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re asleep or on a trip. These adjustments cut costs and lessen any strain on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

When your furnace is outdated and requires seemingly constant maintenance, it may be time to upgrade. Modern furnaces feature improved performance 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. 

Trust A1 Chesney Service Experts for Reliable Furnace Maintenance

Taking care of your furnace prevents breakdowns, maximizes efficiency and can even ensure a long service life. A1 Chesney Service Experts takes pride in helping you keep a complete sense of comfort. Our certified technicians offer fast, reliable service.

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