Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life

Your furnace works hard to keep your home nice and warm all winter long. Still, like any appliance, it benefits from regular maintenance to ensure it performs its best and to avoid any inconvenient breakdowns. Taking care of your furnace can help it last years longer, especially compared to one left alone. It also means more affordable energy use!

Here are some useful suggestions to prolong the lifespan of your furnace and maintain peak performance for many winters to come.

Replace the Filter Regularly

The filter traps debris, animal dander and other airborne particles to keep them out of the system’s more sensitive components. Over time, the filter fills up with debris, obstructing ventilation and making your furnace to operate less efficiently. This added strain may cause more problems and sometimes permanent system damage.

To keep things running smoothly, don’t forget to check and swap out the filter as needed, depending on how often you use the system and the type of filter in place.

Reduce Your Home’s Energy Loss

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 sealing around windows and doors will keep heat from escaping, allowing your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature. Whenever your furnace runs efficiently, it suffers less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.

Keep Up with Routine HVAC Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional supports your furnace’s reliable operation. During the appointment, a technician examines, cleans and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This regular preventive maintenance spots small issues before they become something more serious, avoiding costly failures. A regular tune-up also reduces energy waste, cutting your monthly heating costs.

Tidy Up Around the Furnace

Keeping the area around your furnace clean ensures steady, unobstructed airflow. Make sure the area is kept dust-free and well away from hazardous materials. This avoids fire and similar safety risks, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat gives you more control than ever in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re away or asleep. This limits the time your system is running, saving energy and minimizing strain.

Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice

If you start noticing unusual noises, temperature inconsistencies or unexpected utility spikes, don’t wait to check out these signs of trouble. Even small issues can gradually develop into more severe breakdowns. If left unresolved, it could affect the total lifespan of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system safe.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Your furnace will only function best when the airflow between supply and return vents is balanced. Blocking or closing more than 80% of your supply registers can cause heat buildup or force your furnace to work itself too hard. To help keep things running smoothly, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any curtains. This enables your furnace to distribute heat as intended. 

Set Your Furnace to a Reasonable Temperature

Setting your thermostat beyond energy-efficient levels forces your furnace to run constantly, putting excess stress on the entire system. This added energy load leads to reduced efficiency. To avoid cutting your furnace’s lifespan short, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature—such as between 68-72° F. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by around 8-10° while you’re sleeping. These adjustments cut costs and prevent any excess wear on your furnace. 

Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

If your furnace is showing its age and needs more frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces offer improved performance while reducing energy consumption. Although the upfront cost may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and increased efficiency make it a smart choice. 

Rely on McKinley Heating Service Experts to Maintain Your Furnace’s Health

Maintaining your furnace avoids any premature, costly failures, maximizes efficiency and can even ensure a long service life. McKinley Heating Service Experts specializes in helping you keep a comfortable home environment. Our experienced technicians offer efficient, reliable service.

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