With the colder months approaching, your furnace will need to work harder than usual. If your furnace isn’t properly maintained, this extra effort can exhaust your unit, eventually requiring serious repairs. Extending its life allows you to save money and benefit from it for a longer time.

With proper maintenance, HVAC furnaces can last many additional years. Typically, furnaces are replaced when its most important (and most expensive) component, the heat exchanger, begins to leak. It’s more affordable to replace the individual part instead of the whole air conditioning unit.

You don’t have to wear ten sweaters to keep you warm during winter. An HVAC unit with a well-maintained furnace can keep your toes toasty over the holidays. Read on for the best ways to extend your HVAC furnace’s life.

How to extend the life of your furnace

Replace the air filter

The HVAC filter prevents debris from entering the furnace. Over time, the filter will begin to look like a dusty accordion. When dirt and dust cover the filter, your furnace will have to work twice as hard to move air through the system. It’s best to clean and replace your filters regularly to allow your furnace to raise the temperature without obstructions.

Install a programmable thermostat

Prolong the life of your furnace by installing a programmable thermostat. It automatically adjusts the HVAC’s temperature according to the time of day. During the day, you can program the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, while during the night, you can bump up the heat. There are even Wi-Fi enabled thermostats that allow you to control the temperature using your phone.

Seal air leaks

If your heating and cooling system has air leaks in its ductwork, this forces your furnace to work harder to heat your home. When this happens, you need to seal the ducts immediately, as leaky ducts can prevent your HVAC unit from producing warm air. If left untreated, you will have a very overworked furnace, resulting in more wear and tear on the unit and higher electricity bills.

Clean the surrounding space

It’s important to keep the space around your furnace clean and spacious. Your furnace won’t be able to get air if the area around it is obstructed. Clear away anything that blocks the airflow such as furniture, appliances, etc. Keep your furnace away from flammable objects such as curtains and clothing. Mixing warmth with fire-prone materials is not a good idea.

Regular maintenance

Avoid costly repairs by having your furnace regularly checked by an HVAC specialist. An HVAC technician will use an extensive checklist to ensure that your furnace is well-maintained. Regular maintenance ensures that your unit won’t encounter potential issues in the future, saving you from cold winter nights.

Conclusion

Take the proactive step of maintaining your aging furnace by having it serviced regularly. Proper furnace maintenance can extend your HVAC’s life and improve its efficiency. Consider hiring a professional HVAC specialist who can identify signs of wear and tear, and can suggest necessary repairs. This reduces the risk of furnace failure, especially during the cold months.