The average furnace lasts for roughly 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. But during those years, how many unexpected repairs will your wallet have to sustain? You can easily reduce the number of repairs for your furnace in Atlantic Beach, FL, and extend its life with a few simple tasks.
Keep an Eye on Your Filters
Airflow restrictions create the largest strain on heating systems. Of those restrictions, the filters are the most obvious and least trouble to fix.
You should change basic furnace filters about once a month. If you get extended life filters, you should check them at least monthly and plan to replace them every 60 to 90 days. Between changes, consider vacuuming the loose dust from the intake side of the filters to extend their life.
Change Your Thermostat Battery
Be sure to check your thermostat’s battery and plan to replace it twice yearly. This ensures there’s enough power to send a strong signal to the furnace.
Maintain Good Air Quality
Air quality significantly impacts the efficiency of your furnace. Low air quality adds strain to the system, causing components to wear more quickly. Maintain the optimal humidity of 30% to 50% throughout the year and use effective filtering and purification systems throughout your home.
Optimize Airflow
Without proper airflow around your home, your system will run for longer cycles, increasing the wear of the system. Be sure your vents are free of obstruction with at least 6 inches of clearance around them. Also, keep your system return vent free of obstructions, and ensure you keep the area around it clean.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular system maintenance includes cleaning critical components, lubricating bearings and checking to secure connections. All of these tasks reduce the resistance on your system, allowing it to cycle more easily.
The less resistance the system experiences during a cycle, the less wear it exerts on each individual component. This translates into fewer repairs and longer service life.
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your furnace and avoid major repairs. Call Ed’s Comfort Solutions to schedule your preventative maintenance visit today.
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