When it comes to furnace repair Phoenix homeowners know that prevention is better than the cure. While all heating systems require care and maintenance eventually, some small steps on your part can go a long way towards minimizing the number of issues you encounter. Read on for tips on making your furnace more resilient and extending its functional lifespan.
Have Your Furnace Serviced Annually
Scheduling annual maintenance checks allows a professional to inspect your furnace, identify potential problems early, perform routine upkeep, and make any necessary minor repairs before they become major issues. This preventative care helps avoid emergency breakdowns and expensive issues down the road. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Clogged air filters put extra strain on your blower motor and heat exchanger, wear them out faster, and reduce your system’s efficiency. Swap disposable filters out every 1 to 3 months during peak heating/cooling season for optimal performance. Electrostatic and pleated filters can go longer between changes at 4 to 6 months. Just be sure to note the recommended timeframe.
Have Ductwork Professionally Cleaned
Dust accumulation inside your home’s ductwork gets circulated through your living space. This not only leads to a drop in indoor air quality, but also forces your blower to work harder. Having an HVAC professional deep clean your ducts every 3 to 5 years eliminates buildup.
Use a Surge Protector
Power surges and outages resulting from electrical storms or grid issues can fry control boards and other delicate furnace components. Connecting your unit to a whole home surge protector safeguards against such damage, avoiding a major repair.
Insulate Around Ductwork
Ensuring proper insulation surrounds all ductwork running through unheated spaces like attics, basements, and crawlspaces prevents the heated/cooled air inside from losing too much energy external to the living space. This reduces strain and wear on your furnace.
Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed
Rather than manually raising/lowering temperature settings when away or asleep, programmable thermostats do this automatically per your set schedule. The decreased runtime saves energy and prevents excessive cycling that strains components. Smart WiFi-enabled options add convenience.
Install a Humidifier
Dry winter air can lead to cracking/peeling paint, static electricity, respiratory issues, dry skin, and more at home. Adding a humidifier maintains 40% to 50% indoor humidity for comfort and also protects furnishings, musical instruments, electronics, and your respiratory health.
Check Your Furnace’s Age
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years. If your unit was already installed when you purchased the home or is nearing or past that 20 year mark, it’s a good idea to start budgeting for a replacement. New high-efficiency models provide better performance, lower utility bills, and fewer repairs.
Research Rebate Programs in Your Area
Many local utilities and municipalities offer rebates and incentives for upgrading from an older furnace to a new ENERGY STAR certified high-efficiency system. These can offset 30% to 75% of the total replacement cost. Checking which upgrades qualify before budgeting can save you substantially.
While periodic furnace repair Phoenix homeowners can’t avoid indefinitely, you can add years to your current system’s lifespan through attentive maintenance and preventing unnecessary strain. If issues do arise, address them promptly before small problems grow. With proper care, your furnace should provide comfortable heating for over 15 years.