How Do I Extend the Life of My Furnace?

A furnace is a significant investment for you as a homeowner, and with care it could last 15 years or more – at least on paper. But in the real world, the lifespan of your equipment depends greatly on the steps you take to keep it in working order.

If you want your heating oil furnace to last as long as possible, follow these guidelines.

1. Make smart choices from Day 1. Two decisions you make early on will have a significant impact on the life of your furnace: the model you choose, and who installs it. Always select a reputable brand, and make sure your furnace is properly installed and sized by professionals to meet your home’s heating load without overworking.
2. Get annual service every year. Nothing is more important to the longevity of your equipment than getting regular preventative maintenance for your heating equipment: your equipment will not only last longer, it will also work better, run more reliably, and help you stay on top of small issues before they become bigger problems.
3. Replace your furnace air filter regularly. Overwork is the enemy of longevity – and that’s exactly what happens when it is trying to push warm air through a clogged air filter. That increased strain on the motor will cause more wear and tear on your equipment, which will rob your system of years of service in the long run (not to mention efficiency). A clogged air filter will also be less effective at blocking dust and other contaminants.
4. Consider getting your ducts cleaned. Dirt can also accumulate on the sides of your ductwork – usually out of sight. With a narrower channel through which to pass air, a furnace will once again have to overwork to do its job; with time, that overwork will take a toll on your equipment.
5. Seal any furnace leaks. When an air leak forms along the furnace line, the furnace loses air before it even completes the process of heat production, leading to…you guessed it…overwork and a shorter life for your equipment.
6. Use your programmable thermostat. Why make your furnace log hours heating an empty house, or providing more heat than you need to stay comfortable? With a little help from your programmable thermostat, you could save unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment.
7. Take care of repairs quickly. A delayed heating system repair will eventually lead to a heating system breakdown, and more breakdowns lead to a shorter life for your equipment. The moment you sense something is wrong with your furnace – strange sounds or smells, for example – have it looked at by a professional.

Keep your oil-fired furnace running as long as possible with expert heating system service from Hilltop Energy. If your furnace is on its last legs, we can help you there, too, with fast installations of a range of quality oil-fired furnace models. Contact us today to learn more.