We love the winter time. Cooler breezes, Christmas music playing on the radio, every house in the neighborhood decorated in lights, hot cocoa, anticipating a new year… While it may not really snow here in California (at least in our neck of the woods), it still does get colder than usual outside. We set aside our summer clothes and trade them in for sweaters, hats, and thicker fabrics when hanging outdoors.
However, when we’re back inside to cozy up on the couch with the family, we expect our home to be warm and pleasant. Maybe you own a fireplace, which is certainly nice, but your main heating source is your furnace system. When the weather outside is frightful, you’ll want a furnace system that makes your home feel delightful!
So how can you extend the life of your furnace to avoid a premature replacement before the winter season kicks in? Our Mom-Approved experts have 13 ways to maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient home that will last! Let’s dive in!
1. Regular Maintenance
First things first, you’ll want to schedule annual professional maintenance checks for your furnace. This includes cleaning, inspecting, and tuning up the system. Regular maintenance can catch and address issues before they become major problems. Getting HVAC maintenance has proven to not only extend the lifespan of the system, but also save customers money in the long run. Our team at AirWorks Solutions is more than qualified to assist!
2. Change Air Filters:
The next thing you can do to extend the life of your furnace is to replace or clean your furnace’s air filters every 1-3 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean filters help maintain proper airflow and reduce strain on the system.Your furnace’s filter can get clogged with dirt, debris, and bacteria over time – and if you neglect to get your filters cleaned or replaced, you’ll be breathing in that nasty debris which can be harmful to you and your family.
3. Keep Vents Clear
Our third recommendation is to ensure that all heating vents and registers are unblocked and free from obstructions. This keeps heat distribution even and reduces strain on your furnace. Your vents need clear airways for your home to be evenly heated and to prevent the need for system repairs after too much neglect.
4. Proper Insulation
Having proper insulation in your home can reduce the workload on your furnace by maintaining a consistent temperature. Proper insulation helps retain heat and reduces the need for your furnace to run constantly. There are a variety of insulation options for your home – some may work better than others depending on who you ask. The better your insulation, the better your heating will feel.
5. Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a great modern investment for your home! With a programmable thermostat you can customize the settings to only warm certain parts of the home, or reduce temperatures when you’re away. When you get a programmable thermostat installed, you can set temperature schedules that reflect your daily and weekly routines. This prevents unnecessary heating and helps the furnace work more efficiently.
6. Seal Leaks
It’s important to seal any gaps, cracks, or leaks in doors, windows, and ducts to prevent warm air from escaping. Having gaps or any area where the air can leak out of your home can make your furnace work harder than it needs to – which can result in it breaking down too soon. Your HVAC technician can inspect your home if you suspect that there is a leak somewhere.
7. Clean Ducts
Having your air ducts cleaned periodically to prevent the accumulation of dust, debris, and mold, can improve the efficiency of your furnace. Too much build-up in your air ducts can lead to weak airflow, as well as your system straining to work. Additionally, you won’t have clean air and this can be harmful to your respiratory health.
8. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Have you ever run your ceiling fans in reverse? It’s more helpful than you think! In the winter, run your ceiling fans in reverse to help distribute warm air more evenly throughout the room. This easy little trick is something you can do easily at home!
9. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear
This might seem like an obvious suggestion, but ensuring that the area around your furnace is clean and free of clutter. This allows for proper airflow and maintenance access. This simple task can make a big difference overall.
10. Limit Thermostat Adjustments
Avoid frequently adjusting your thermostat, as it can make your furnace work harder and may result in unnecessary wear and tear. It may be tempting to move around the temperature of your thermostat to find that perfect cozy warmth, but it’s best to settle on a number that works for you and bundle up if necessary.
11. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient System
If your furnace is old and inefficient, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Newer systems are designed to be more durable and environmentally friendly. If you know the age of your furnace and it is 10 years or more – it’s worth looking into a new system before it inevitably breaks down.
12. Install a Humidifier
Another way to improve the heating in your home is to invest in a whole-house humidifier. This can help reduce strain on your furnace and make your home more comfortable. Humidifiers – even at a single room scale – can even out the humidity of the space making your home feeling more comfortable.
13. Consult a Professional
The final, but arguably most important tip on our list is to hire a professional (and Mom-Approved!) HVAC technician to install, tune-up, and on occasion – repair your furnace system! Our main office is located here in Ventura County, CA and our fleet of Mom-Approved technicians are here to keep your home cozy and warm all winter long! We come prepared for every job we take on, perform quick but precise work, and treat our customers like family. Trying to handle any HVAC work yourself can lead to further damages that will cost more to fix! It’s better leaving any cooling or heating work to the professionals!
Call for Mom-Approved Furnace Service Today!
By following these tips and staying proactive with maintenance and energy-efficient practices, you can extend the life of your furnace system, reduce energy costs, and enjoy a more comfortable and reliable heating system.
- Regular Maintenance
- Change Air Filters
- Keep Vents Clear
- Proper Insulation
- Programmable Thermostat
- Seal Leaks
- Clean Ducts
- Use Ceiling Fans
- Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear
- Monitor Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Limit Thermostat Adjustments
- Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient System
- Install a Humidifier
- Consult a Professional
If you notice any unusual noises, smells, or a decrease in heating efficiency, don’t hesitate to call one of our professional Mom-Approved HVAC technicians to inspect and repair your furnace! We have you covered! Call AirWorks Solutions for furnace services today!
