Do you know your furnace may be dying on you? Yes, it’s true. Without the proper maintenance, your furnace’s lifespan is reduced by five to 10 years. Considering the fact that the average lifespan of a furnace is 10 to 15 years, that five to 10 -ear difference is huge! We understand that it’s easy to forget about your furnace. All alone in the basement or utility closet, it’s out of sight and out of mind. However, giving your furnace just a little attention and care can help make it run better for much longer. If you want your furnace to have a long and happy life, here are a few factors to consider.
Replace the filter
A dirty filter can make your furnace overheat, become clogged, start a fire or simply shorten the life of your furnace. So if you want to avoid the need for a replacement or furnace repair in Visalia, CA, we’ll say it again: replace the filter. This is the simplest thing you can do to make a huge impact on the lifespan of your furnace, and on the quality of the air you breathe as well. Your furnace filter should be changed about every three months. You may need to do it more often depending on where you live, if you have pets or if someone in your household has allergies or respiratory trouble. Generally speaking, however, every three months is a good rule to live by.
Take a load off your system
If you ever left a door open on a cold day when you were growing up, you probably heard your parents say something like, “Shut the door! We’re not paying to heat the whole neighborhood.” Well, your parents had the right idea, but it’s more than just a door left open that can take a toll on your furnace. Air leaks around windows, in the attic or the basement can all make your furnace work harder than it needs to, which can then shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Give your furnace a break and seal any air leaks in your home. Another good idea is to install a programmable thermostat. This will not only save you money, but it will help your furnace to run more efficiently.
Clean your air ducts
Over time your ducts can become dirty and congested. These clogs not only impact the air you breathe and force your furnace to work a lot harder to circulate the air in your home, but pieces of built-up debris can break loose and cause damage to sensitive parts of your furnace or even cause a fire. To prevent this issue and increase the lifespan of your furnace, you should have your air ducts cleaned about every three to five years.
By keeping these three tips in mind, you will not only increase the life of your furnace, but you will also help ensure the health and safety of your family. If you do find yourself in need of furnace maintenance or furnace repair in Visalia, CA, just call McGee Refrigeration!