Your heating system is a crucial part of your home. We depend on our furnaces to keep us safe and warm during the long, cold Alberta winter. One day it may be time for a new furnace, but how can you extend the life of the one you have right now?
Here's a short list of some of the steps you can take to help maintain your furnace's lifespan:
Schedule regular maintenance
The last thing anybody wants is to need an emergency furnace repair. You can avoid this by scheduling regular furnace tune-ups. During a tune-up, your HVAC technician will clean your furnace, change the filter, and perform a multi-point inspection to ensure it's operating properly, safely, and efficiently. They'll also handle repairs as necessary.
Without maintenance, wear and tear could go unnoticed and lead to premature breakdowns. Reach out to us to discuss how to set up regularly scheduled maintenance for your furnace.
Replace your furnace filters
One way to decrease your furnace's lifespan is to forget to replace your air filters. It might not seem a big deal, but it can impact efficiency and indoor air quality. Additionally, a clogged filter strains your furnace, and it will have to work harder to heat your home. It will also need to work longer to bring the temperature up.
Filters typically need changing every three months, but you should check the manufacturer's instructions. Then, set an alarm to remind yourself to change your furnace filters regularly. Changing the filter will help your furnace achieve maximum efficiency and longevity.
Take care of air leaks
Like old, filthy air filters will impact your furnace's lifespan; air leaks throughout the house will do the same. Small leaks can pop up anywhere in your house. From your windows and doors to bathroom and kitchen vents, walls and even basement pockets, those leaks let warm air out of your home. If the warm air is getting out, your furnace puts in hard work to keep your home warm. Unfortunately, this extra work will lead to a furnace that is out of life before it should be.
How do you know if you have an air leak? There are many ways to test for leaks in your home. For example, you can purchase an air leak detection device. Or, n cold days, when the heat is o, you can place your hand around the edges of exterior doors and windows as well as kitchen and bathroom vents and fans and feel for cold air. If you feel a cold draft, chances are there is a leak.
When your furnace is at the end
No matter how well you maintain your furnace, it will need replacing eventually. In most cases, a furnace that goes through a harsh winter will last an average of 15 years. Plus, you might want to upgrade to a higher efficiency model during that time.
So, get in touch when you need regular repairs, or your energy bills are going up! We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and carry a selection of high-efficiency home furnaces to suit your needs.
Get in touch with Fagnan's Furnace Service today to schedule regular maintenance or to discuss new furnace options!
