Spring is only months away, and your furnace has been working around the clock to keep your family cozy as the temperature outdoors dropped. At this time of year, you may be wondering if your heating system will make it through another winter. Most furnaces are designed to last approximately 15 years, and maintaining your system over its lifetime will help you have a reliable and efficient heating system for 20 or more years. On average, systems that are not maintained will last less than the lifetime, and operation is much more expensive.
Maximizing the Lifetime of Your Heating System
Even if your furnace is a few years old, you can take steps now to increase the likelihood of realizing the expected lifetime of the heating system.
Replace Your Air Filters
Many homeowners underestimate the value of routinely replacing their air filters. These little items remove dust and other particulates from the air. Over time, the fibers are filled with airborne pollutants, and air flow through the filter decreases. Your furnace must work harder to deliver heated air throughout your home, and this takes a toll on your furnace and ductwork.
Seal and Insulate Ductwork
The ductwork is another part of your heating system that can make your furnace work harder. Heated air escapes through breaks, tears and unsealed areas. Your thermostat tells your furnace that the indoor temperature is below the desired setting, so your furnace continues to run. Sealing your ductwork improves efficiency and extends the lifetime of the heating unit.
Seal Windows and Doors
Weather stripping and insulation around doors and windows keep warm air indoors during the winter. Like ductwork, these areas are susceptible to leaks that allow warm air to escape. Sealing doors and windows keeps the warm air inside your home, and your furnace is able to run less to maintain the desired temperature.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are more than just high-tech gadgets. These devices allow you to set a schedule of temperature settings for when you are home, at work or asleep. The variety of temperature settings reduces the overall load on your furnace to heat your home, and you will also save money on utilities.
Annual Furnace Maintenance by And Services
We recommend that you have one of our technicians perform maintenance on your furnace in the Fall, but we provide these services year-round. We conduct a thorough inspection of your HVAC system and furnace to locate small problems that can cost you big money down the road. The technician will change out your air filters and check your connections, ductwork, thermostat and other heating equipment. Our furnace maintenance service will help you save money for the remainder of the winter and give you peace of mind that your furnace will run efficiently next winter.
If we find that your furnace has reached the end of its lifetime, we help you plan ahead to replace the system before next winter. We recommend the heating systems that are right for your home and within your budget.
Why wait? Contact And Services today to schedule maintenance services for your furnace and enjoy years of efficient operation!
