Did you know you can increase your furnace lifespan with a few simple maintenance practices? While the average life expectancy of a quality furnace is around 10 to 15 years, regular care can help extend it well beyond this range, reducing your risk of costly repairs and improving energy efficiency. At Controlling Systems, we’re here to help you maximize your furnace life expectancy with expert advice and furnace maintenance services in Arvada, CO.
Here are our top tips to keep your gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and other heating systems in optimal condition:
1. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly
One of the simplest and most effective ways to extend the life of your furnace is by changing your furnace filter regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing the blower motor to work harder and leading to potential furnace repairs and heat loss.
Check your air filter every month, especially during peak heating seasons, and replace it as often as the furnace manufacturer recommends. Clean furnace filters also contribute to better indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens, making your home environment healthier.
2. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance
Annual furnace maintenance is essential for spotting minor issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. During a furnace maintenance appointment, our HVAC technicians perform a thorough check, cleaning air ducts and removing debris to ensure smooth operation. Regular routine maintenance improves heating output and can reduce energy bills by keeping your unit running efficiently.
Furnace maintenance services also help improve indoor air quality by preventing mold, dust mites, and other airborne contaminants from circulating in your home. It’s a cost-effective step that safeguards both your furnace and your family’s health.
3. Manage Your Home’s Humidity Levels
High humidity levels can lead to rust in your furnace components, especially in the heat exchanger. Too much moisture also promotes mold growth and damages attic insulation, contributing to heat loss and higher energy bills. Keeping your indoor temperature consistent and maintaining an optimal humidity level in your home will help prevent these issues, extending your furnace’s lifespan.
If humidity is a concern, consider installing a dehumidifier to protect your furnace and home.
4. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
One of the best ways to prevent overuse is to upgrade to a programmable thermostat or a Wi-Fi/smart thermostat. These advanced thermostats allow you to reduce furnace usage during hours when no one is home, which helps to cut down on heating output.
A smart thermostat allows you to remotely control your thermostat settings and track your weekly energy usage, helping you make energy-saving adjustments that support energy efficiency. Over time, this small step can reduce wear on your furnace, extending its life.
Additional Tips for Proper Furnace Care
Clean Air Ducts and Ensure Proper Insulation
Maintaining clean air ducts and sufficient insulation—particularly attic insulation—ensures that your furnace doesn’t have to work harder than necessary. Dust and debris in ducts reduce airflow, and poor insulation leads to heat loss and uneven temperatures in your home. Both issues force your furnace to work longer, which impacts furnace lifespan.
Choose the Right Furnace Type for Your Home
The type of furnace you choose also impacts its longevity. Gas furnaces, electric furnaces, oil furnaces, propane furnaces, and high-efficiency furnaces each have unique maintenance requirements. Forced-air furnaces may require more frequent air filter changes and duct cleaning, while oil furnaces benefit from regular inspection and servicing.
Monitor for Uneven Heating or Reduced Performance</h3>
Noticing uneven heating or reduced comfort during the winter months can be a sign of a blower motor issue or another minor problem. Addressing these small concerns can prevent larger furnace repairs down the road.
Controlling Systems – Your Local Furnace Experts in Arvada, CO
For more than just maintenance, Controlling Systems is here to provide the furnace repairs, installation, and furnace maintenance services that keep your home comfortable. We’re committed to extending the life of your furnace through proper care and routine servicing. Our technicians bring expertise to every job, whether it’s managing routine maintenance, air filter replacement, or a full heating output assessment to reduce energy bills.
Call Controlling Systems today or request service online to schedule annual maintenance for your furnace. Let us help you make the most of your system, so you enjoy efficient, reliable warmth in your Arvada, CO, home for years to come.
