February 18, 2022
Furnace Maintenance in Foothill Ranch, CA

Having your furnace fail on you unexpectedly can be devastating. In addition to the stress and discomfort, such an event can ruin your finances. The good news is that you can greatly reduce the chances of that happening, and all it takes is consistent proactivity. You’ll find that if you treat your furnace right, it will reward you with a long, healthy lifespan.

1. Schedule Yearly Maintenance

Scheduling yearly tune-ups is perhaps the best thing you can do for your furnace. When you call one of our maintenance technicians at White Mechanical, Inc., they’ll clean your heating system and analyze its health. They’ll also make whatever adjustments they can to improve its performance and efficiency. Additionally, our technicians will ensure that you’re not at risk for a malfunction or breakdown. If they find any red flags, they can take preventative measures to save you money and hassle down the road.

On average, furnaces that get tuned-up every year will gain five years of life expectancy. Plus, your household will see all of these benefits:

  • More consistent heating
  • Reduced heating costs
  • Fewer repairs
  • Better indoor air quality

2. Buy a Programmable Thermostat

You’re only human, so occasionally forgetting to turn off your thermostat is understandable. However, if it’s a common occurrence, that can add up to remove years from your furnace’s lifespan. A programmable thermostat will remove that burden from your shoulders. You can program it to automatically reduce the temperature when you leave for work and go to sleep. Plus, you can set your preferred temp, and the thermostat will detect when your house reaches it, so no extra heat gets wasted.

3. Replace Your HVAC Filter

The smoother your furnace’s heat circulation is, the healthier it will be, and a cleaner system leads to smoother operation. By trapping airborne contaminants, your HVAC filter keeps your furnace clean and efficient. However, that filter will get a bit more packed with particles each day, eventually becoming clogged and unable to perform its duty. Leaving a clogged filter in place is terrible for your heater, so check its status each month and replace it whenever necessary.

4. Purchase a Humidifier

Did you know that the dryness of winter air makes your home feel colder? Air requires moisture to transfer heat around effectively, so your furnace must compensate when the oxygen becomes dry. You can counteract this by purchasing a humidifier. These units, which can sometimes be attached to your HVAC system, restore much of the moisture to your house’s air. Over time, this will save your heating system lots of effort.

5. Install Attic Insulation

Warm air naturally rises, and it’s unfortunately common for much of it to drift past your attic and through your roofing. If your attic lacks a protective shield, you may have a constant flow of heat escaping the house, which places excessive pressure on your furnace.

Attic insulation will eradicate this problem, and there are multiple types to consider. The most popular kind is spray foam insulation; it’s pricey, but its long lifespan and waterproof qualities are worth the cost. Another good choice is fiberglass insulation, which is less expensive and easier to install.

6. Ductwork Inspections

The health and cleanliness of your ductwork have a giant impact on your furnace’s life expectancy. For one, duct leaks or loose-fitting joints are notorious for letting heat escape, forcing your heating system to compensate. During an inspection, your ductwork professional can locate and resolve these problems. Additionally, they can thoroughly clean the ducts, removing any obstructions that make it harder for your furnace to do its job. Ideally, you should schedule one of these visits each year.

7. Locate and Seal Air Leaks

The edges of your windows and doors can harbor significant air leaks. Even tiny, barely visible gaps can cause extra exertion for your furnace, which stacks up over time. Usually, you can find these leaks by slowly moving your hand around and feeling for air streams. Make it a monthly habit to inspect for these leaks, and use caulk and weather stripping from the hardware store to seal them up tightly.

8. Don’t Let Problems Linger

While minor furnace malfunctions and worn-out components are frustrating, they don’t typically damage your appliance’s lifespan too much. However, the real danger occurs when you let these problems linger. If you keep your heating system operating when it needs a repair, its performance and efficiency will be well below peak levels. When it’s in that condition, each day of usage will add more wear and tear to the furnace.

You’ll also run the risk of the problem spreading or expanding. For example, a loose part on its own is a minor issue, but if that part collides with the heat exchanger, it can become serious very quickly. To ensure your furnace’s health and your safety, call in a repair technician as soon as you know something’s wrong.

9. Conserve Warmth

When you’re hanging out at home, try to regularly think about ways you can remove strain from your heating system. Every time you can find an alternative way to stay warm for a few hours, you’re doing your furnace a favor.

One easy option is to throw on an extra layer of clothing or a blanket when you’re just relaxing on the couch. Another effective method is to utilize your curtains. Curtains, especially if they’re made of thick or heavy fabric, can conserve quite a bit of heat when you close them. You don’t want to close them when the sun’s shining and block that natural warmth, but there’s no reason to keep them open at night. Running a ceiling fan counter-clockwise will also help warm you up. When moving in that direction, your fan will increase heat circulation in your house and spread warmth to the upper floors.

Each of these methods will allow you to turn down the thermostat and slow down your furnace’s aging.

10. Clean Your Home

If you let excessive dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other debris accumulate around your household, it’s inevitable for those contaminants to end up in your furnace. As they cycle through the system, they’ll hamper the appliance’s performance and worsen its health.

To combat these harmful particles, wipe down tables and other surfaces with a damp rag every month. For rugs, mats, and pillows, bring them outside and shake them out or bat them together. You’ll never remove 100% of the dust, but eliminating most of it will make a massive difference for your heating system.

Trustworthy Heating Professionals

Since opening in 2002, we at White Mechanical, Inc. have provided reliable heating and cooling services to the greater Orange County, CA, area. Whether you’re a resident or business owner, we want you to stay comfortable throughout all four seasons. Over the years, we’ve developed a reputation for excellent customer service, integrity, and quality. Our company has 40 employees, and all of our NATE-certified technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Give us a call today at White Mechanical, Inc. to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment!

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