The last thing you want is to deal with a broken furnace during winter. A well-maintained furnace can last up to 20 years, but depending on how you use yours, you might be paying for a replacement or repair within five years. When your furnace operates for the last time, you will be anxiously waiting for your local HVAC technician to make a service call while you and your loved ones are wearing jackets in the house. Being without heat is something that nobody wants to face. If you’re concerned about your furnace serving you for years to come, here are six handy tips that can help you keep your furnace in good working condition and extend its lifespan.
1. Call for Seasonal Maintenance
Even if you perform DIY inspections and maintenance, it’s imperative to have an expert look at your furnace every fall before the cold weather hits. Routine preventive maintenance is among the major factors that determine the lifespan of your furnace. A professional technician will thoroughly inspect and clean all the components of your heater to ensure everything is working optimally. If anything is awry, the specialists will fix it before it worsens. A well-maintained furnace should run efficiently, saving you money in the long term. Also, a clean furnace will improve your indoor air quality, keeping your home healthier.
2. Call for Furnace Repair Immediately
If your furnace is older, you must keep a closer eye on it as old heating systems fail gradually. Even newer furnaces can have some problems develop from time to time. If you notice anything strange about your heater, it’s best to call HB Home Service Team right away. Avoid your heater from failing prematurely, by seeking assistance early. The longer you let a problem develop, your furnace can develop serious issues leading to more extensive and costly repairs.
3. Replace the Air Filters Frequently
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to extend the life of your furnace is by replacing the air filters regularly. The filters prevent dust, dirt, pet danger, and other debris from entering the blower fan. If it gets clogged, airflow through the unit reduces, forcing your furnace to work harder than it should. Allowing your furnace to work harder can reduce its lifespan. Simply replacing the dirty air filters helps ease the strain on the heater, helping it last longer. In most cases, you should change the filters every one to six months. Be sure to inspect your filter monthly.
4. Upgrade Your Thermostat
Furnace life is primarily determined by how hard and long your unit works. If you’re not at home every day for eight hours, but your furnace still runs, it’s overworking. You’ll also end up spending a lot of money on energy bills. While it’s easy to forget to adjust the thermostat before leaving, a programmable thermostat can help you adjust the temperatures based on hours of occupancy. Consequently, you will lower your energy bill and prolong the life of your heater.
5. Get Ductwork Sealed and Cleaned
Most homes lose about 30% of conditioned air through ductwork breaches. Dust and debris build up in ducts over time, creating clogs that reduce the efficiency of your heater. Correspondingly, duct leaks rob you of heated air your furnace works hard to generate and forces your furnace to work longer and harder to keep you warm. An overworked furnace can contribute to a reduction of its service life. Preventing dust and debris buildup and eliminating leaks is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your home’s comfort and extend your furnace’s lifespan.
6. Check Your Home’s Insulation
Adequate insulation can help ease the workload on your heater by eliminating its need to operate consistently. The attic is one of the common areas to lose air and heat. Thus, adding attic insulation will help ensure that most of the furnace-generated heat doesn’t escape. Adding additional insulation into the walls and insulating the basement will also help ensure your furnace has a lighter workload. More insulation can help your home remain warm and comfortable during winter.
Call The HB Home Service Team
HB Home Service Team can help you maintain and extend the service life of your HVAC system. We’re a family-owned business that has been providing reliable heating and cooling services in the Central PA region since 1974. We offer 24/7 services, including installations, repairs, upgrades, and maintenance, with fully trained, insured, and licensed technicians for all commercial and residential needs.
Call us today to find out more about our HVAC services or schedule a service.