7 Tips to Ensure Your Furnace Has a Long and Efficient Life

As the temperatures begin to plummet, the last thing you want is to have your furnace break down unexpectedly. Aside from the discomfort that you might experience, repair or replacement expenses can be quite expensive. Ensuring that your furnace has a long and efficient life requires some simple but effective tips.

Our team at Aire Serv of Birmingham will guide you on how to maintain your furnace so it continues to heat your home for years.

1. Asses the Type of Furnace You Have Installed

To help maintain the furnace, you need to understand the type of furnace you have installed. The three most common types of furnaces are electric, gas, and oil. Let’s discuss the different features of each.

Electric Furnace

An electric furnace works by drawing in cold air, heating it over electric resistance coils, and distributing the warm air throughout your home via ductwork. It's a simple yet effective system that provides consistent warmth and comfort.

You should consider an electric furnace because of the following:

·Efficiency: Electric furnaces convert almost 100% of their energy into heat, making them one of the most efficient heating options available. This high efficiency can translate into lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

·Longevity: With fewer moving parts than other heating systems, electric furnaces tend to have a longer lifespan. Regular maintenance can keep your electric furnace running smoothly for up to 20-30 years.

·Safety: Electric furnaces do not produce any harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide, a common risk with gas furnaces. This makes them a safer choice for homes, especially those with children or elderly residents.

You deserve a heating solution that offers comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. An electric furnace delivers on all fronts, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their home heating system.

Gas Furnace

Keeping your home comfortable as the temperature outside begins to drop is vital. A gas furnace may be an excellent choice for you, offering a host of benefits that you might not find with other heating options.

You should consider a gas furnace because of the following:

• Efficiency: One of the primary advantages of a gas furnace is its high efficiency. These types of furnaces extract more heat from the gas they consume, which means they use less energy to heat your home. This efficiency can translate into significant savings on your energy bills.
• Longevity: In addition to being cost-effective, gas furnaces also tend to have a longer lifespan compared to other types of heating systems. With proper maintenance, a gas furnace can last upwards of 20 years. Since a furnace is utilized only part of the year in Birmingham, the wear and tear is less, resulting in fewer repairs.
• Safety: Gas furnaces are also renowned for their safety features. Modern gas furnaces come equipped with safety switches and sensors that shut off the gas supply if a problem is detected, reducing the risk of gas leaks.

While the benefits of a gas furnace are numerous, it's important for you to consider your specific needs and circumstances. For instance, the climate in Birmingham has very few sub-freezing or near sub-freezing days, meaning a heat pump might suffice for most of the year. However, on particularly cold days, the heat pump would need to rely on the gas furnace.

Oil Furnace

An oil furnace offers numerous advantages that may appeal to you, including high efficiency, overall safety, superior longevity, and even environmental benefits. Let's dive into the key features that make an oil furnace one of the most efficient and hassle-free options for you.

You should consider an oil furnace because of the following:

·Efficiency: Oil furnaces are known for their high efficiency, which means they can convert a greater percentage of fuel into usable heat compared to other heating systems. This translates to lower energy consumption and reduced heating costs. With advancements in technology, modern oil furnaces can achieve efficiency levels of up to 95%, ensuring optimal performance and comfort while minimizing energy wastage.

·Longevity: When it comes to longevity, oil furnaces are a reliable choice. With proper maintenance, an oil furnace can last up to 30 years or more. This long lifespan means you won't have to worry about replacing your heating system frequently, saving time and money. Investing in an oil furnace ensures durability and stability, providing consistent warmth and comfort for decades.

·Safety: Safety is a paramount concern, and oil furnaces excel in this area. They have a lower risk of carbon monoxide (CO) leaks compared to gas furnaces. Oil heating systems use sealed combustion, where the combustion process occurs within a closed chamber. This significantly reduces the chance of CO exposure.

Ultimately, the decision between a gas, oil, or electric furnace will depend on various factors, including your home's size, your budget, and your personal comfort preferences. It's always a good idea to consult with a professional HVAC technician at Aire Serv of Birmingham to determine the best fit for your home.

2. Invest in Annual Furnace Maintenance

Regular preventative maintenance helps keep your furnace in good condition and helps you avoid costly repairs. If you neglect maintenance schedules, your furnace can run inefficiently and increase your energy bill. It’s recommended that you schedule yearly maintenance with an HVAC professional. Trained technicians will clean, adjust, lubricate, and check all parts of your furnace.

3. Clean and Replace Filters Regularly

Replacing filters can be a hassle, but it’s essential for a well-functioning furnace. Filters can accumulate dirt and debris, which can hinder your furnace's efficiency. Depending on the filter and the system, you may need to change your filter every 30, 60, or 90 days. Before replacing the filter, turn off the furnace and use an extended vacuum brush to clean the filter cavity before installing the new filter.

4. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an excellent investment if you’re looking to save on your energy bill. The thermostat allows you to adjust the furnace temperature based on your family’s schedule. For example, you can set the thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home. This ability to control the temperature can help reduce your energy bill by up to 10% annually, better efficiency, and longer furnace life.

5. Have Repairs Addressed Immediately

Ignoring warning signs could result in a total furnace breakdown, requiring expensive replacements. When you hear strange noises or notice colder parts of your home, it’s time to have a professional inspect your furnace. Addressing issues promptly helps prevent larger problems, saving you time, money, and a huge headache.

6. Choose the Right Professional for Your Needs

If you do experience issues with your furnace, it's essential to choose a qualified HVAC expert or technician that specializes in furnace installation, repair, and replacement. When selecting a technician, be sure to do your research and read reviews to find someone who is skilled, trustworthy, and reasonably priced.

Additionally, when it comes to replacing your furnace, it's essential to choose the right product. Look for one with a high-efficiency rating, as this will help maximize energy savings and reduce your environmental impact.

7. Understand Your Furnace’s Components

To get the most out of your furnace, it's essential to understand its different components. The main components of a furnace include the burner, heat exchanger, blower, and thermostat.

To better understand them, here is a breakdown of their individual responsibilities:

· Burner and Heat Exchanger: The burner is responsible for producing heat, while the heat exchanger transfers that heat to the air.

· Blower and Ductwork: Once the burner and heat exchanger complete their tasks, warm air is then circulated by the blower through the ductwork. If your air ducts are dirty or have obstructions, it’s important to get them removed to ensure proper function.

·Thermostat: The thermostat controls when the furnace turns on and off based on your desired temperature settings.

Understanding these different pieces and how they work together will help you perform more effective maintenance.

Need Furnace Assistance? Aire Serv of Birmingham is Here!

Your furnace is an essential part of your home that requires attention and care to keep it running efficiently and extend its life. Whether you’re investing in routine maintenance, replacing filters frequently, or addressing repair issues immediately, proper furnace care can ensure your home is always well-heated, energy-efficient, and running at its best capacity.

When you need support for an electric, gas, or oil furnace, Aire Serv of Birmingham is here for you. Call us to get started!