How to Extend the Life of Your Heating System

The average gas furnace lasts for around 15-20 years. Some people have even gotten 30 years out of their heaters! While this is a long time, it is not uncommon for homeowners to replace their heaters well before they reach this age. Why is this? It is largely due to a lack of proper care and maintenance. However, with routine professional service, you can expect to get the full lifespan out of your heating system, if not longer.

Keep reading to learn how to properly maintain your furnace and the other steps you can take to extend the life of your heater.

Heater Maintenance Is the Name of the Game

As mentioned above, professional maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your heating system. Part of why heating maintenance is so important is that it helps improve your heating system’s energy efficiency and keeps it in good repair. We thoroughly inspect your system during your maintenance visit, looking for signs of wear and tear. Any repair issues are reported to the homeowner, and together we come up with a repair plan that best suits their needs.

With proper maintenance, your heater system will:

• Have fewer broken parts and breakdowns
• Perform better and use less energy
• Provide you with more consistent heating
• Have a positive impact on your indoor air quality

Even something as simple as the regular changing of your air filters can positively impact the operation of your heating system. When a heating system is in disrepair, it doesn’t perform as well as one that is routinely serviced. Parts become dirty and clogged, leading to inefficient heating and repair issues. In short, a well-maintained system is more likely to last its full lifespan than one that is neglected.

Keep reading for three more tips on how to get the most out of your current heating system.

#1: Set Your Thermostat Lower

Many people overestimate the temperature they need their heater set at to be comfortable. In the summer, we think of 72° as the ideal temperature. However, in the winter, 72° often feels stuffy and stifling. Furthermore, the greater the disparity between the temperature outside and inside, the harder your heater has to work. By setting your thermostat just a few degrees cooler, you stay comfortable, and your heater doesn’t have to work so hard. Typically, 68° is more than adequate to keep you warm and comfortable in the winter.

#2: Use Humidifiers

Have you ever complained about how dry your skin feels in the winter? Perhaps you’ve noticed more static electricity in your home as well. This is because heaters tend to dry the air in our homes out. This can make you quite uncomfortable. In addition to reducing the temperature on your thermostat to 68°, you should consider using humidifiers to increase the humidity in your home. A more humid environment helps you feel warmer and improves dry skin, static electricity, and winter allergies.

Using a humidifier, a lower thermostat temperature remains comfortable, and you don’t have to use your heater as much, improving your overall comfort.

#3: Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Have you ever had your air ducts professionally cleaned? This is an often-overlooked segment of HVAC maintenance. However, your air ducts play a huge role in the overall health of your heating system. Ducts that are cleaned and balanced efficiently move the heated air throughout your home. Air ducts that are dirty and in disrepair are more prone to air leaks and spread allergens, dust, and germs throughout your home. They also make your furnace work hard to push warmed air throughout your home, decreasing its efficiency and leaving it more susceptible to breakdowns.

We are your go-to heating specialists. If you are struggling with the efficiency of your heating system, or if you are looking for ways to extend the life of your current furnace, we can help. Reach out to Blazer Heating, Air, and Plumbing for more tips on maintaining your heating system and to schedule a maintenance visit.