A new furnace installation is a big investment. Because of this, many homeowners in Three Rivers, Texas, look for ways to extend the life of their heating systems. Preventative maintenance is key to making it last longer. Keep reading to learn tips and tricks for making your furnace last longer than its standard life cycle.
How Long Should a Furnace Last?
The average furnace has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Systems lasting this long have had regular preventive maintenance performed on them. Most furnace parts won’t last the full life cycle, so repairs and parts replacements are common. In most instances, they’re cheaper than replacing the entire unit. An exception to this is when the heat exchanger goes bad, as this is the most expensive part of a furnace.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-up
Tune-ups and preventive maintenance are crucial to the lifespan of your heating system. Our HVAC specialists will inspect the heating unit for damaged parts and clean the system. We can also inspect and clean your ductwork as needed. Cleaning the system improves heating efficiency and extends the life of the furnace. It also improves air quality in your home by reducing the amount of dust and dirt in the air.
Contact us any time you notice the furnace isn’t operating as you think it should. Letting the system run with worn or damaged parts can significantly impede its ability to run efficiently and reduce its lifespan.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Another simple way to extend the life of your furnace is to install a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat allows you to create a schedule for the heating system. During the times of the day or night when you’re not home, program the thermostat to a more moderate temperature depending on the season. As a result, you’ll save money on heating expenses and reduce wear and tear on the heating system. Consider a Wi-Fi thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature when you’re away from home via your smartphone.
Change the Furnace Filter
Extending the life of your furnace starts with changing the filter regularly. Instead of waiting a full 90 days before changing the filter, inspect it every 45 days to see if it’s dirty. This is important for making the furnace last longer. In homes with indoor pets, changing the filter once every 30 days is highly recommended. Vacuuming air registers once a week to remove pet hair can also extend the life of the heating system.
Use the Right Furnace Filter
In addition to changing the filter regularly, it’s important to use the right one. If you’re using a filter not designed for your heating system, your furnace may endure unnecessary wear and tear. For example, most systems aren’t compatible with HEPA filters. Our experienced service technicians can perform a simple assessment of your heating system and recommend the right filter for it.
Fix Air Leaks Around Your Home
Another important way to make your heating system lasts longer than its life cycle is to fix air leaks. That’s because air leaks allow warm air to escape from the ductwork. As a result, the furnace works harder to keep your home at the desired temperature. This puts extra wear and tear on the system, which can lead to more frequent breakdowns and higher energy bills.
Bodine-Scott specializes in a variety of heating system installation, repair, and maintenance services. We have years of experience in helping people extend the life of their HVAC units. Call us today at (361) 883-9900 to learn more about how we can help you make your furnace last longer.
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