ClickCease

Expert Tips

10 Ways to Maintain Your Furnace and Extend Its Lifespan

Call Now (815) 539-3828

Extend Your Heaters Lifespan With Mendota Heating Maintenance

Open Mendota furnace ready for inspection and maintenance

Investing in a furnace is a significant investment, and keeping it running as efficiently as possible requires ongoing care. Choosing a reliable, energy-efficient model is essential, but consistent furnace maintenance in Mendota, IL, plays a big role in how long it will last. Avoid unexpected breakdowns and premature replacements, and maximize every dollar of your furnace investment with some of these proactive tips. 

1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Changing the air filter is a simple but powerful way to keep your furnace working for the long run. As dust and debris clog your filter, you’re forcing your system to work harder than ever to increase its energy costs. Set a reminder to replace your filter every 1 to 3 months, especially during heavy-use months. If you’re not sure how to change it, Triple Service can guide you through the process and handle routine maintenance to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

2. Clean the Furnace Interior

Furnaces will collect dust over time, including inside your furnace. Dust eventually reduces the efficiency of your furnace and can potentially lead to fire hazards. It’s also unpleasant to smell dust burning off of your furnace whenever you want to use it. Turn off the power to your furnace and use a soft brush or vacuum to remove the dust from accessible areas like the burners and blower compartment. But there’s only so much you’ll be able to clean on your own. Call the furnace experts at Triple Service to ensure a safe,  thorough cleaning and maintenance visit.

3. Inspect the Blower Motor

If you notice unusual sounds or reduced airflow, there could be an issue with the blower motor. Any signs of damage or wear require professional attention and a Mendota heating repair. Trying to do it yourself could damage your furnace, void your warranty, and compromise your own safety. Triple Service’s technicians are here to repair or replace parts as needed to prevent small issues from escalating out of control.

4. Check Your Thermostat’s Calibration

A well-calibrated thermostat helps create the warm airflow you want without overworking the furnace. Look at your thermostat reading and compare it with a separate thermometer in the same room to check for discrepancies. You may need to reset the thermostat, change the batteries, or call in a heating expert to see what’s going on and possibly recalibrate your furnace and thermostat. 

5. Lubricate the Moving Parts

Reduce the wear and tear on the moving parts of your furnace with regular lubrication. Properly lubricating your furnace’s components prevents friction while keeping it running effortlessly. The team at Triple Service can come out to inspect and lubricate key components, including blower motor bearings, to keep your system operating efficiently.

6. Inspect and Clean Up Your Ductwork

Dirty ducts quickly restrict airflow and drag down your home’s indoor air quality. Remove your vent covers for regular cleaning, and use a vacuum to collect any remaining dust. Triple Service also recommends a thorough and professional duct cleaning every few years to keep your ducts clear.

7. Test Your Furnace’s Safety Features

Your furnace has built-in safety features that work to protect you and your home, including limit switches and carbon monoxide detectors. Check your safety features regularly, or reach out for professional testing to look over everything to make sure it’s functioning correctly.

8. Check Your Ventilation Systems

Proper ventilation is vital to prevent the dangers of carbon monoxide buildup. It’s important to regularly inspect the flue pipe and external vents for blockages like leaves or debris. Test your carbon detector about once a month to make sure it’s working the way it should and change out the batteries once a year as an extra layer of safety.

9. Schedule Annual Furnace Inspections

Even with a regular DIY routine, you still need a professional furnace inspection to catch any hidden issues and maintain its efficiency. Triple Service’s technicians are here to conduct thorough inspections, deep cleaning, and testing to keep your furnace in top shape year-round.

10. Avoid Frequently Thermostat Adjustments

It’s normal to need to adjust your thermostat settings on a cold, winter day. However, frequently altering your thermostat settings leads to continuous cycling, which can strain your system. Find a comfortable setting and stick with it as long as possible, or switch to a programmable thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures and reduce unnecessary wear.

Call Triple Service for All Your Furnace Needs in Mendota, IL

Consistent furnace maintenance in Mendota helps keep your heater running efficiently for a cozy, warm home. Triple Service is here for all of your furnace maintenance, repairs, and installation needs. Call us today to schedule your appointment and extend the life of your heating system in Mendota, IL!

Learn More About Furnace Maintenance in Mendota & Beyond

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!