On average, the lifespan of a furnace is between 10 to 15 years.  If you have a furnace that is approaching 10 years, then it could be time for a replacement soon.  However, no one wants to spend the money to replace a furnace that is still running and doing its job to heat the home.  But there are some tips to follow so that you can ease the burden on your older furnace this winter to prolong replacing a furnace until you can save money during the off-season time of spring or summer.

Change the Air Filter Regularly

Proper maintenance of a furnace includes regular changes of the air filter.  A dirty air filter makes it harder for the furnace to circulate air, causing the furnace to work harder than it needs to.  If you haven’t changed the air filter since last winter, it may be clogged and need to be switched out.  Replace the filter every few months for efficient airflow throughout the home.

Open Every Vent

In an effort to conserve energy, some homeowners may close the vents in rooms that aren’t in use to try to direct airflow to other frequently used rooms.  However, this could backfire.  Closed vents can cause pressure to build, which means your furnace has to work against this pressure, causing strain on the unit.  Instead, be sure to open vent to lighten the load on your furnace.  It is also suggested that you keep vents clear of obstructions such as furniture to allow for proper airflow.

Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

Most ceiling fans will have a switch that will reverse the direction to go counterclockwise.  When blades move in this direction, they are pushing air down, and since hot air rises, this is an advantage for homeowners and for your aging furnace.  Switching the direction on the ceiling fan causes hot air to pushed throughout the room, helping to heat the home more efficiently.

Seal Any Leaks

Heat will escape through any gaps in the home.  If you have any gaps in windows or under doors, seal them off to keep heat in and ease the burden on your furnace this winter.  Replace old weather stripping under doors and caulk any gaps in window seals that could be leaking air.  Also be sure to close doors quickly after entering or exiting the home to keep hot air in as much as possible. 

If your furnace is quickly approaching replacement age and you would like to make it last for as long as possible, be sure to follow these easy tips to ease the burden on your furnace this winter season.  To further add to the life of your furnace, it is always recommended that you have an expert HVAC company perform a yearly maintenance check.  KAC Express technicians are happy to oblige, so give them a call today.