Ways to Help Extend Your Furnace’s Service Life

Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. However, like any appliance, it benefits from routine care from trained technicians to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and to hopefully prevent any inconvenient breakdowns. Taking care of your furnace makes it more likely to last years longer, especially compared to one that is poorly maintained. It also means lower energy bills!

1. Maintain a Clean Space Around the Furnace

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 avoids any safety issues, ensuring your furnace performs more efficiently.

2. Schedule Annual Preventative Maintenance

Annual maintenance from a certified HVAC professional helps promote your furnace’s long-term performance. During the appointment, your technician checks, services and otherwise tunes up the system for best performance. This proactive service spots small issues sooner rather than later, avoiding costly breakdowns. A regular inspection also improves efficiency, lowering your monthly energy bills.

3. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Another way to minimize your furnace’s potential workload is to take what steps you can to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation and other sealing accessories around windows and doors will minimize any heat loss, making it easier for your furnace to hold a comfortable temperature. When your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it suffers less wear and tear, extending its lifespan.

4. Fix Problems as Soon as You Notice

If you notice odd humming, stubborn cold spots or higher energy bills, don’t wait to check out these concerns. Even small issues can rapidly develop into more severe situations. If left ignored, it could reduce the overall service life of your furnace. Prompt furnace repairs stop further damage and keep your system running.

5. Choose Energy-Efficient Temperature Settings

Setting your thermostat above normal forces your furnace to run way too much, putting unnecessary strain on the entire system. This added energy load causes extra wear and tear. To minimize this kind of gradual damage, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature—such as between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can alternatively adjust the temperature by a few degrees while you’re out of the house. These simple changes save energy and prevent any excess wear on your furnace. 

6. 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 delicate components. Over time, the filter becomes blocked with debris, obstructing ventilation and causing your furnace to exert more effort. This added strain can lead to overheating and sometimes permanent system damage.

To avoid those kinds of problems, check and swap out the filter around every 1 to 3 months, depending on total usage and the type of filter you use.

7. Invest in a Modern Furnace When the Time Is Right

When your furnace is old and breaks down more often, it may be time to replace it. Modern furnaces offer the best in heating technology while still reducing total power use. Although the price tag may be higher than a repair, the smaller utility bills and increased efficiency make it worthwhile.

8. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A smart thermostat lets you set precise temperatures in your home, with features like scheduling automatic setbacks when you’re not home or asleep. This reduces the time your system is running, lowering your energy bill and minimizing strain.

9. Ensure Balanced Airflow

Your furnace will only perform at its peak when the airflow between supply and return vents is evenly distributed. Sealing off the majority of your supply registers can result in heat buildup or force your furnace to work harder. To help prevent any issues, regularly check that the air vents are open and free from being blocked by any furniture. This enables your furnace to distribute heat as intended. 

Choose Xtra Mile to Keep Your Furnace Running

Taking care of your furnace prevents breakdowns, maximizes efficiency and can even extend its total potential lifespan. Xtra Mile takes pride in helping you maintain a comfortable home environment. Our licensed technicians deliver fast, reliable service.

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