The furnace in your Bessemer, AL, home is an expensive household appliance. Like everyone else, you want it to serve you well for as long as possible. We’ll share some tips on how you can extend the life of your furnace to get the most out of it.
Schedule Maintenance Twice Per Year
If you take care of your furnace, you can expect it to last 15-20 years and sometimes longer. However, the first step towards proper maintenance is to schedule yearly tune-ups with a professional technician. An HVAC system is not necessarily a high-maintenance appliance, but that is not to say it doesn’t need attention.
The system needs inspection and cleaning at least twice a year and requires a professional technician. Trying to fix the system yourself can be dangerous as you can risk damaging the equipment. A technician will clean and repair any damaged component and also check for any evidence of leaks.
Change Furnace Filters Regularly
Filter changing is an easy yet important task that can ultimately save you a lot of money. You should periodically check your filters and consider replacing them every three months. Filters restrict the entry of dust particles into your home and improve the system’s performance.
With dirty filters, dust and debris can pass through the system and cause damage to it. Damaged internal parts can be expensive to replace and put a strain on your budget. Replacing these parts will be a regular activity if you forget to change your filter quarterly.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
The programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy when you are not at home. You can schedule it for when you will be away from home for an extended period of time. You can forget about wasting resources when you are on vacation, at work or even during the night.
That said, it can also help you extend the service life of your heating system. By monitoring and managing your HVAC, it will prevent the furnace from turning on and off unnecessarily. This way, the internal components will get exposed to less stress, and your system can last longer.
Have the Ductwork Cleaned Regularly
The ductwork is responsible for distributing heated air throughout your home. It is a critical part of your HVAC system, but over time the ductwork can get coated with dirt. Accumulation of dust in the ductwork causes poor airflow throughout your home and can seriously affect the heating system.
Having clogged ductwork can lead to lower indoor air quality in your home also. It is crucial to have the ductwork cleaned regularly with air duct cleaning service professionals. This way, you will reduce problems with your heating and cooling system and improve your indoor air quality.
Inspect Your Furnace Regularly
Over time, the metal parts of your furnace can start wear, become rusty or corrode. This can be dangerous because you risk carbon monoxide poisoning if the heat exchanger should crack. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be fatal.
It’s not only a risk to you and your family but also your pets. Regular inspection of the furnace is critical because it will allow the technician to see any signs of corrosion or problem. A simple inspection can help prevent serious problems from occurring in the future.
Add Insulation
Insulating is a great tip that will not only save you money but can also prolong the life of your heating system. Colder rooms are harder for your system to heat up and force it to work longer hours to achieve the desired comfort.
Insulation is affordable and easy to install, and it can improve the efficiency of your heating system. It will make it easier for your system to distribute heat throughout your home without much effort.
Now that you know some ways to extend the life expectancy of your furnace, it will be easier for you to schedule the needed maintenance. For more information about HVAC maintenance services, contact the team at Total Comfort Heating & Air.
Image provided by iStock
