4 Ways To Make Your Furnace Last Longer
Do you have a furnace that's nearing the end of its lifespan? Do you want to get a few more years out of it before you buy a replacement? Most furnaces last 15 to 20 years, but there are steps you can take to make your furnace last longer than that. Below are four tips to help you maximize the life of your heater. If have an old heater, call a heater maintenance service to take a look at it. They may be able to make recomendations that can delay a heater replacement:
Use a smart thermostat.
Technology has changed just about every aspect of people's lives, and thermostats are no exception. You can now purchase a smart thermostat in which you can program temperatures in your home up to a week in advance. Some can even automatically change the temperature based on the weather, and some have wifi capability so you can access them from other locations. Your smart thermostat can reduce the temperature when no one is home, putting less strain on your heater.
Clean and seal ducts.
If your heater doesn't seem to be warming your house like it used to, it may not be the heater's fault. You could have leaks in your ducts. Warm air could be escaping the ducts before it arrives through the vents in your home. Over time, joints in the ducts can become less tight and small gaps can form. These small gaps can become escape points for air. You may be able to make your heater more efficient by having your ducts cleaned and sealed so no air escapes.
Insulate your attic.
Hot air rises in your home, and it can escape through your ceiling. One way to keep that hot air in the home longer is to insulate your attic. Insulation keeps hot air in the home and prevents cold air from entering. That means your furnace has to work less to reach your desired temperature. That reduction in work can help the heater last a few more years.
Run ceiling fans counterclockwise.
Ceiling fans running counterclockwise can serve two important purposes. One is that they distribute heat throughout the room, giving the room more consistent heat and comfort. They also keep warm air in a room before it escapes to other parts of the house and out through the ceiling. By keeping your ceiling fans running counterclockwise, you can maximize heat in your home and reduce the workload on your furnace.
Perhaps the best way to make your furnace last is to have it regularly maintained and serviced so you can avoid any issues. Contact a heater maintenance service in your area today to schedule maintenance for your furnace.