5 Ways To Improve Your Furnace Lifespan in Loudon, TN

Taking good care of your furnace not only lengthens its life but also increases system efficiency, which leads to lower utility bills in Loudon, TN. Below are a few ways to improve the lifespan of your furnace.

1. Schedule A Furnace Tune-up

Furnace tune-ups ensure your furnace is ready for the long heating months ahead. During the tune-up, the HVAC technician checks the thermostat for proper calibration, leveling and overall operation. They also check the vents to ensure there are no blockages that can limit airflow in a home.

The tune-up also involves cleaning or replacing the air filter and checking the system for leaks. After that, the expert checks the furnace heat exchanger, burners and other components of the furnace for efficient operation. Ask our technician to show you a checklist for the fall tune-up before they start the maintenance process.

2. Improve Heating System Efficiency

Improving the energy efficiency of a home ensures there is less strain on the furnace. You can do that by replacing old systems not considered efficient by the heating standards today. Furnaces older than 15 years are not as efficient as modern furnaces and may break more often, leading to costly repairs.

In homes with air duct leaks, the furnace has to work harder to heat the home. This excess strain on your motor shortens its lifespan. Allow our technicians to check the heating system for air leaks and then consider adding insulation to the home to ensure heated air does not escape from the home.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that up to 30% of the energy used to heat a home goes to waste through leaks and holes. Windows, doors and entry points for cables are main leakage culprits that can be fixed with caulk or weather stripping.

After addressing air leaks, install a programable thermostat to control how you heat your home. A modern thermostat can help your system run more efficiently and reduce energy bills.

3. Replace Furnace Filters Regularly

The furnace filter traps dust, pet hair, debris and other substances, ensuring they do not clog the furnace blower fan. If the furnace filter clogs, it obstructs airflow so that the heating system has to work harder to distribute heated air in your home. This can cause the heating system to overheat, decreasing its lifespan.

A filter needs replacement every three months. However, if you live in an area with a lot of dust or have pets, you may need to replace it more often. Check it monthly and change as needed.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

Dust, debris and pet hair can clog air filters and vents, obstructing airflow. If you keep your furnace in the storage area, keep stored items away from it to avoid blocking airflow.

Keeping stored items away from the furnace helps avoid the risk of a fire and also enhances airflow so that the system runs efficiently. Decreased airflow causes the system to work harder, which can lead to overheating and strain on the motor.

5. Schedule Routine Professional Maintenance

Do not wait until your heating system breaks down to call an HVAC technician. Professional maintenance will help identify issues before they exacerbate and cause costly breakdowns. A professional checks the overall functionality of the HVAC system and performs activities, such as changing the filter, oiling moving parts, checking electrical connections and calibrating the thermostat if need be.

The technician may identify parts that need repair or replacement, so that your furnace can run efficiently. Your technician can also suggest other ways to help the furnace last longer after routine maintenance. A technician should perform maintenance on the heating system once a year to keep it in good condition.

Our HVAC specialists are ready to help you take care of your furnace to improve its lifespan. Call Cook’s Comfort Systems Inc. technicians for heating services, air conditioning and other HVAC and indoor air quality services in Loudon, TN.

Image provided by iStock