Tips To Help Homeowners Extend The Life Of Their Aging Furnace
The cost of replacing an aging or non-functional furnace is a significant one. In fact, according to some industry estimates, furnace replacement cost could be expected to fall somewhere between $2,150 and $5,900, depending on the area you live, the size of the furnace, and the type of furnace you want.
Homeowners who are looking at these figures with despair may be wondering if their current furnace might be made to last another heating season or two. If you are among this group of homeowners and would like to try and extend the lifespan of your furnace for a while longer, these tips may be able to help you achieve that goal.
First, look at reducing the workload
The amount of work that a furnace must perform during its lifetime is an important factor in determining how long it will be able to remain functional and efficient. Homeowners who are trying to prolong the life of their aging furnace should start by making changes that will help to reduce its workload.
Some ideas for this include stopping drafts by caulking around windows, using draft stoppers on exterior doors, sealing air leaks around vents, and adding additional insulation to the home.
Second, be diligent with filter changes
HVAC systems that are forced to continue operating with a clogged furnace filter must work much harder to move the conditioned air throughout the home. Homeowners who check their furnace filter regularly and replace it before it becomes clogged with dust and dirt are helping to reduce the strain on their heating system.
Third, use the thermostat to reduce wear
Utilizing the thermostat at a lower temperature is another way in which homeowners can strive to reduce wear on an aging furnace and help extend its lifespan. Getting the family on board to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees instead of 70+ during winter is an important first step.
Additionally, homeowners can begin to utilize the thermostat settings to further reduce interior temperatures at night or when the family will be away from home for several hours.
Fourth, invest in regular tuneups and periodic servicing
Car engines last longer and run more efficiently when they receiver regular tuneups and periodic servicing. Your home's furnace is the engine that drives your heating system; therefore, it also requires regular professional tuneups and maintenance in order to perform its job in a dependable, efficient manner.
Regular servicing from a reputable heating system service contractor will ensure that the furnace is cleaned regularly and checked for worn parts and components. In addition to helping prevent unexpected failures, this type of service can be instrumental in helping extend the lifespan of an older furnace.
To learn more, contact a resource like Air Pride Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc.