Purchasing and installing a new furnace is a considerable investment. This is why many homeowners in Rolling Meadows, IL look for ways to delay the replacement of their heating systems. Here are five tips for extending a furnace’s lifespan.
1. Schedule Seasonal Furnace Maintenance
How often you hire a professional HVAC technician to perform tune-ups on your furnace affects how long it lasts. Routine maintenance enables your system to have a longer life because, during the appointment, the expert inspects the furnace to diagnose the damaged parts that need repair and replacement.
Fixing minor issues helps prevent them from becoming expensive issues and causing a sudden system breakdown. The technician also cleans the ducts to improve the system’s heating efficiency and increase its lifespan.
Additionally, he lubricates the moving parts to prevent friction-induced wear and tear. Remember that the more efficiently your heating system functions, the more it lasts.
2. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Investing in a smart or programmable thermostat can enable your furnace to serve you for longer than its lifespan. This small device allows you to schedule the heating system to run only when necessary.
For example, you can program it to maintain moderate temperatures when nobody is in the building. Giving your heating system a break will prolong its lifespan. If you install a smart, Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, you can adjust the indoor temperatures remotely via your tablet or smartphone.
A programmable thermostat’s capabilities allow you to reduce tear and wear on your furnace. It also helps you reduce the heating expenses in your Rolling Meadows, IL, home.
3. Improve Home Insulation
Insulating your home will improve its ability to retain heat during the cold season. As a result, your furnace will not need to run as often to achieve the desired temperature. A system that runs efficiently and less often lasts longer.
Some signs of inadequate insulation in your home include high energy bills and uneven temperatures in different rooms. Therefore, consider adding more insulation to your attic and walls.
Besides improving insulation, try sealing any gaps that may allow energy loss. You can find these gaps on your windows, doors, or basement. Closing them enables your house to retain heat, relieving your furnace of some burden.
4. Keep Your Home Clean
Cleaning your house will help your furnace run more smoothly and last longer than its lifecycle. This is because various airborne pollutants like dust will not clog the system filters and restrict airflow. Decreased airflow strains the furnace and reduces the life of its motor.
Additionally, avoid installing the furnace in a storage area. Be sure to clear the area around the system.
Keeping items close can block airflow and prevent the furnace from circulating heat in your house. It also causes it to function less efficiently and break down unexpectedly.
5. Change or Clean Furnace Filters
You should consider cleaning or replacing the furnace filters if you want the system to heat your home for years to come. Over time, dust or dirt buildup may clog these filters.
Consequently, the system will strain to try to distribute heat evenly. Straining may cause some components to break down unexpectedly. A clogged furnace will also consume more energy to keep your home comfortable.
Dirty filters affect indoor air quality and make you vulnerable to seasonal allergies and respiratory conditions like asthma. If you own a pet or live in a dusty area, you should consider replacing the filters at least once a month. How often you do the replacement also depends on the type of filter that your heating system uses.
It is crucial to use the filters designed for your heating system. Using the wrong ones will increase the risk of premature wear and tear. A skilled technician can assess your furnace and recommend suitable filters.
Taking good care of your furnace and protecting it from premature breakdowns will keep your Rolling Meadows, IL home warm for many years. Contact the experienced Besco Air Inc. Heating & Cooling technicians for your furnace repair needs.
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