Unlock the Secrets to Extending Your Furnace’s Lifespan: Say Goodbye to Frequent Repairs
Posted by Sumant JHA
HVAC Basics
As time goes on and your furnace ages, you may need frequent plumbing repairs to keep it running correctly. Repairs are par for the course, especially as your furnace reaches an older age.
But with some tips and tricks, you can keep your furnace running strong for its whole lifespan — even during the cold months. Here are the secrets to keeping your furnace in optimal condition.
Increase The Lifespan Of Your Furnace
Increasing the lifespan of your furnace is actually much easier than it sounds. Just like with every home appliance, there are ways to make it last longer and reduce repairs throughout the year. Increasing your furnace’s lifespan will also help ensure that it works great during the months you really need it.
Keep Up With Furnace Maintenance
The best thing that you can do for your furnace is keep up with routine maintenance. Having an HVAC technician perform a proper tune-up will allow them to find any minor issues and repair them before the problem gets worse. Better yet, this can prevent those expensive emergency appointments in the dead of winter.
The technician will completely inspect and clean your furnace thoroughly. When your furnace is clean and free from any built-up dirt it, will run more efficiently, saving you money and improving your inside air quality.
Don’t Put Off Repairs
Putting off plumbing repairs for your furnace can cause many issues with your unit. A small problem might affect other areas of your furnace, leading to more problems and shortening its lifespan. If you’re noticing your furnace is starting to run poorly or it’s having problems, it’s best to take care of them right away.
Signs to be on the lookout for include:
Uneven heating
Increase in your energy bill
Having trouble getting the furnace to turn on
Strange sounds or smells coming from the furnace
Cycling off before the heating cycle is complete
So, whether you’re starting to notice strange sounds coming from your unit or noticing that your hot water is not lasting as long as it should, fixing these problems fast will help prolong the life of your furnace.
Regularly Change Out Air Filters
Your furnace air filters protect the unit against debris, dust, dirt, and hair that gets sucked in. When they become too dirty, these particles can enter your furnace and cause a clog or other damage. If you’re noticing that you can no longer see the air filter material or any light through the buildup of dirt and debris, it’s time to change your air filter.
Typically, air filters should be changed out every 30 to 90 days, depending upon your use and environment. Changing these out regularly will help keep your furnace functioning great for the long term. You can usually pick these up at any hardware store or large grocery store.
On top of changing out your filters, it’s important to also have the correct type of air filter for your HVAC system. There are many different types of air filters available, some are even more efficient than others. Some of the highly rated air filters are typically better at catching debris, and dirt from entering your system, but they’re designed for commercial spaces like hospitals. Using one in your home is overkill. A Moore Home Services technician can help guide you on which type to use.
Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed
One of the most common things that can cause a furnace to die quicker is having to work harder and run all the time. While you may think that being away from home for hours and having your furnace constantly running isn’t causing it any damage, that’s not always the case. The more your furnace runs, the more likely it is to stop working.
A great way to manage how hard your furnace is working is to have a programmable thermostat installed. This thermostat will help control how often your furnace runs while you’re away from your home. You don’t need it to be toasty while you’re away (unless you have pets or family at home), but you can program it to heat up just before you return. This alleviates a lot of the load your furnace takes on and will also help you save money on your energy bill.
If you’re interested in getting a programmable thermostat installed, speak to a professional on which kind will be best for your home.
Keep The Temperature Maintained
When the temperature of your home fluctuates often during the day, it causes your furnace to have to work harder. This will result in wear and tear on your system. Keeping your furnace set to a constant temperature will help avoid this problem. It should be set on a single setting for at least eight hours a day. A programmable thermostat can also help maintain this set temperature.
Get Ductwork Inspected
Your ductwork is an important component of your HVAC system. When a leak or tear is present in your ducts it will cause your furnace to work harder, and you’ll lose a lot of the hot air that it produces. Not only will this cause your energy bill to increase, but it will also force your furnace to work harder to heat your home. Damaged ductwork can also lead to uneven heating and allow dirt and dust to enter the home.
A ductwork inspection, cleaning, and sealing will help identify any problem areas in your ductwork. You can then get these repaired which will help you save money on your monthly energy bill and prolong the use of your furnace.
Increase Insulation
Poor insulation in your home can cause hot air to escape quickly through your home while the cold enters. This will cause your furnace to need to run more frequently than it should without making much of a difference in your home’s comfort. To prevent the hot air from leaking out, it’s important to increase or check your insulation. Windows and doors that have a draft are much more likely to allow that hot air to escape.
You’ll want to check the weatherstripping and ensure that your doors and windows have a good seal on the outside and inside. Replace cracked or damaged weatherstripping to save energy in your home. You can also reseal around doors or windows if they are missing any areas of caulking.
How Long Does A Furnace Last?
While every furnace has a typical lifespan, there are many factors that contribute to how long a furnace should last. When you follow the above steps to increase your furnace lifespan it can allow your furnace to last much longer than the average time. On the other hand, when your furnace is not properly maintained or overworked, it can shorten its lifespan significantly.
The typical life expectancy for a furnace is 15 to 30 years. When you take steps to prolong the life of your furnace, it should last much longer than 15 years. With the proper minor plumbing repairs for your furnace and keeping it cleaned and maintained, you can expect to get many years out of your investment.
How To Know If You Need a Furnace Repair or Replacement
If you’re considering a repair or replacement furnace, it’s essential to know what signs to look for. They will also give you a heads-up that your furnace is having issues so that you can take the proper steps to get it fixed quickly. Some signs include:
The age of your furnace
The furnace is blowing cold air
Expensive emergency repairs
Frequent plumbing service calls
New noises coming from your furnace
Decreased air quality
Spike in your energy bill
No one wants their furnace to suddenly go out one day. That’s why making a note of these signs that your furnace might be having problems will help prevent your furnace from a complete breakdown or major repair.
If you think that a replacement furnace is best for your home, contact an HVAC professional at Moore Home Services. They can help recommend what the best action is for you.
Next Steps to Increase the Lifespan of Your Furnace
If you’re ready to take the next step to extend the lifespan of your furnace, it’s highly recommended you speak to a professional instead of doing it yourself. While you might think that you can repair your furnace completely on your own, it can be a hassle or even dangerous to fix yourself. This is especially the case if you don’t have any plumbing experience.
The professionals at Moore Home Services are experts in furnace repair and replacement. They can help you decide if it’s time for a minor furnace repair or to replace the unit entirely. They also have all of the tools, expertise, and knowledge to complete the job quickly and correctly so you can restore your home’s comfort.
If you’re ready to make the next step in extending the life of your furnace, give us a call to schedule your HVAC appointment!
