5 ways to increase longevity of hvac system
As a homeowner, getting the most out of a home’s features is important. This means regularly touching up the cosmetic touches, like paint, checking up on the appliances, and making sure the major systems are continuing to function properly. Of course, all units and appliances will have their time and eventually reach the end of their life cycle. But before that happens, there are several things homeowners can do to make sure they’re getting the most out of their systems. To make sure the furnace stays at the top of its game as long as possible, keep these 5 homeowner tips in mind.
Clean and Replace the Filters
The furnace filter is one of the most important pieces of the furnace, and one of the easiest chores to overlook. Tasked with capturing dust and debris before it enters the furnace, a clean filter ensures that the heating system is able to run without becoming clogged or overheating. Make sure that the filter is cleaned or replaced on a regular cycle, and it will keep supporting a healthy HVAC system.
Keep the Vents Clean and Clear
Like the furnace filter, keeping vents clean and free of debris helps the furnace run without getting bogged down in debris. If the furnace is trying to circulate air with dirty vents, it can lead to the furnace becoming overworked, as it works harder to pull in enough air to circulate back out. Additionally, if the furnace becomes internally covered in dust, it can start overheating. Instead, keeping the vents clean will not only help the furnace continue to run smoothly but improve the air quality around the home as well.
Get the Right Sized Furnace for Your Space
It’s always tempting to go for the biggest model on the market. But if the furnace in a home is not Goldilocks’s sized — if it’s too big, or too small, and not “just right” — it can actually run inefficiently, creating uneven heating spots, working harder than is necessary, and negatively affecting the monthly power bill. Before buying a new furnace, or replacing an older model, double-check the new model with a professional to make sure it’s the right fit.
Consider a Programmable Thermostat
Having an up-to-date thermostat, particularly one that is programmable, will help the entire HVAC system run more efficiently. Newer models are able to actually learn homeowner heating and cooling patterns, and adjust the temperature automatically to keep a system running without overworking it, as well as keeping a home at the homeowner’s ideal temperature.
Get an Annual Inspection
The piece that can never be overstated, an annual furnace inspection opens up the furnace to make sure that all the parts of the system are still functioning as necessary. With a licensed technician able to get hands-on with the system, they’re able to identify the spots that can be fixed or replaced before they start to cause real harm. Annual inspections keep the furnace stocked with the parts that will keep it running, much longer than if it’s left to its own devices.
While none of these suggestions may appear groundbreaking, practical knowledge applied consistently tends to offer the best results. And sometimes, the best advice is the gentle nudge needed to push that obvious piece in the back of a homeowner’s mind back into the forefront, so it’s not forgotten. If you have any questions about how to best care for your home’s furnace, reach out to the licensed professionals at Duane Blanton Family Home Service! The technicians with Duane Blanton will be happy to put their 30+ years of knowledge to work to help keep your home’s furnace running, and your home’s environment at that ideal level of comfort. Reach out to Duane Blanton Family Services today, at (815) 781-2567, or schedule online using their convenient online scheduling portal.
