If you own a home, chances are you have a furnace. And if you have a furnace, you want it to last as long as possible. After all, furnaces aren't cheap, and replacing one is a major expense. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to increase the lifespan of your furnace and avoid an unexpected replacement. Read on to learn more.
1. Change the Filter Regularly
One of the best things you can do for your furnace is to change the filter regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow and puts unnecessary strain on your furnace, leading to increased wear and tear. Most filters should be changed every one to three months, but be sure to check your manufacturer's recommendations. And when in doubt, err on the side of changing it more often rather than less.
2. Keep the Area Around Your Furnace Clean and unobstructed
Another simple way to extend your furnace's lifespan is to keep the area around it clean and free of debris. A clean area allows for proper ventilation and prevents your furnace from overworking itself due to restricted airflow.
3. Don't Ignore Strange Noises or Odors
If your furnace starts making strange noises or emitting strange odors, don't ignore it! These could be signs that something is wrong with your furnace and that it needs attention from a qualified technician. Ignoring these warning signs could result in significant damage to your furnace—damage that could have been avoided had you acted sooner.
4. Schedule Annual Maintenance visits
One of the best ways to keep your furnace in good working order is to schedule annual maintenance visits with a qualified HVAC technician. These technicians will inspect your furnace for any potential problems and make any necessary repairs or adjustments before they turn into bigger issues. They will also clean your furnace and perform any other routine maintenance tasks that are needed to keep it running smoothly.
5. Have Repair Issues Addressed Promptly
If you do notice an issue with your furnace, don't hesitate to have it addressed by a professional as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will likely get—and the more expensive it will be to fix. Trust us, it's better to nip furnace repair issues in the bud early on rather than wait until they become major problems down the road.
6. Clean your furnace’s blower blades
Your furnace’s blower blades circulate air throughout your home, so it’s important to keep them clean. Over time, they can become covered in dust and debris, which can make them less effective at doing their job. To clean your blower blades, simply remove them from your furnace and wipe them down with a soft cloth.
7. Adjust your thermostat properly
If you're constantly adjusting your thermostat up and down, that's putting unnecessary strain on your furnace—not to mention wasting energy in the process! Find a temperature that's comfortable for you and leave it there until it's time for bed or you leave for the day. Then, use a programmable thermostat to automatically maintain that temperature for you while you're gone without wasting any extra energy .
Conclusion
By following these five tips, you can help increase the lifespan of your furnace and keep your home comfortable all winter long. Remember to get regular tune-ups, don’t ignore strange noises, and change your filter regularly.
