6 Tips for Making Your Furnace in Sarasota, FL, Last Longer

It’s natural to want your heating system to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, it may break down prematurely, especially if you don’t provide it with proper care and maintenance. Keep reading for some tips on how to extend the lifespan of your furnace in Sarasota, FL.

Change Air Filters

Contaminants such as dust, dirt and pet dander can collect on the filters, compromising the airflow. As a result, your system works harder to achieve the desired temperatures, potentially leading to more wear and tear.

If air filters are dirty, they won’t be able to successfully do their job, which is to keep your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) clean and free of allergens. This could not only make your home uncomfortable for occupants with allergies or asthma, but it might also cause your system to work longer, leading to excessive energy consumption.

Maintaining a frequent cleaning schedule could help keep contaminants at bay. Dog and cat owners who brush their pets should also try to do so outside to minimize the pet dander that spreads indoors.

Install High-Quality Filters

Another way to extend the life of your furnace is to install high-quality filters, which help your furnace to run efficiently and reduce the amount of energy used. Poor-quality filters can allow the majority of pollutants to enter your system, reducing functionality and forcing the components to wear out faster.

Many kinds of filters are available, so it’s important to choose high-quality ones that correctly fit your system. Depending on your preferences, budget and location, you can opt for washable or disposable filters. A professional service technician can help you determine which option is best for your heating system.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Think of preventive maintenance as an investment. During maintenance, the service technician will thoroughly inspect your furnace and catch any issues before they become bigger problems, potentially saving you money on future repairs. They will make sure the system is running smoothly and all components are working efficiently, thereby slowing down wear and tear. This service will include:

• Cleaning.
• Lubrication of parts.
• Checking burners for ignition.
• Ensuring proper wiring connection.
• Changing filters.

Additionally, annual maintenance is often a requirement to keep your warranty valid. By skipping maintenance, you run the risk of voiding your warranty. If possible, schedule the maintenance inspections in advance so you can include them in your plans.

Monitor Usage and Schedule Repairs

Even with annual maintenance, system failure can occasionally occur, especially as your system ages. This is one of the reasons it’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs that your equipment requires repairs.

Some common indicators include unusual odors, reduced airflow and loud noises. Unusually high energy bills, uneven temperatures and instances of short cycling are other issues to watch out for. When you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a service technician for inspection and repairs.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Generally, how hard your system works impacts its lifespan. Unfortunately, most people forget to adjust their thermostat settings when leaving the house for work or going on a trip, which results in an overworked furnace and higher energy usage.

Should you want to manage a smart thermostat manually, you can adjust the settings from anywhere via an app on your smartphone or through your computer. Moreover, the device will notify you when it’s time to change the filter or schedule maintenance, both of which play an important role in lengthening your furnace’s lifespan.

Avoid DIY Furnace Repairs

Although DIY projects can help you save some cash while making home improvements, they could be a recipe for disaster when it comes to HVAC systems. Without the right equipment and necessary skills, you might end up causing more damage, like starting a fire or causing a gas leak. It’s best to leave all system repairs to experts.

Contact Custom Air & Plumbing for excellent, reliable furnace repair, replacement and maintenance services by NATE-certified service technicians. We’re available for regular appointments and emergency services.

Image provided by iStock