5 Steps To Ensure Optimal Performance from Older Furnaces

Most furnaces will work efficiently for 15 to 20 years, so most HVAC experts will recommend replacing anything older than that. Unfortunately, that isn’t always a possibility for everyone. New furnaces are expensive, with the most affordable still costing over $2,000. If you have an older furnace and don’t have it in your budget to replace it, you’ll have to make do with what you have for at least a little while. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to increase an aging furnace’s efficiency until you can afford something new.

1. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

Your HVAC system has an air filter that removes dust, dander, and other pollutants from the air moving through your ducts. Naturally, it gets quite dirty over time. At its worst, it can impede the airflow through your home and force your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to.

You should be replacing or cleaning your air filter regularly no matter what kind of furnace you have, but it is especially important if you have an older heating system. We recommend replacing your filter at least once a month, especially during the winter and especially if you have a larger household with children and pets.

2. Keep Your Home Properly Insulated

Proper insulation goes a long way toward keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. Home insulation is fairly durable and can last for decades, but it won’t last forever. If your home has been particularly drafty or it feels like your heating system just isn’t keeping your home warm enough, consider redoing your insulation. While you’re at it, check to make sure that your windows are properly sealed and that there aren’t any cracks or other gaps letting cold air into your home.

3. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat is a must for every home. It obviously allows you to adjust your home’s temperature manually, but you can also program it to automatically adjust the temperature based on a schedule. Not only will this help lower your energy bills every month, but it will put less of a strain on your aging HVAC system so you can get the most out of it.

4. Keep Vents Unobstructed

Blocked vents and registers will force your furnace to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, so you’ll need to keep them unobstructed. That sounds like common sense, but it’s easy to accidentally block a vent without realizing it. For example, your perfectly arranged living room might have a chair or couch blocking a vent. If you haven’t tidied up your house in a while, you might also have absent-mindedly covered a vent or register. Even if you’ve been careful about how you arrange your furniture and don’t have a lot of clutter, your vents might be clogged with dust. This can happen if you’ve neglected to replace your air filter for too long.

If you want to get the most out of your heating system, keep your vents clean and unobstructed. Keep a close eye on your unblocked vents as well. If you feel little to no air blowing from them, you might have a problem in your ducts that should be checked out.

5. Stay Current With Furnace Maintenance

Regular maintenance is vital for all HVAC systems, and it just might be what keeps your aging furnace running for another year or two. Things like replacing your air filter and keeping your vents clean are part of HVAC maintenance, but so is contacting an HVAC contractor and scheduling at least one tune-up every year. This tune-up includes tightening electrical connections, replacing worn parts, lubricating all moving parts, and otherwise making sure that your furnace is in good working order. It might also uncover and fix problems before they become major repair projects. After all, it’s always easier to fix a minor problem while it’s still a minor problem. Waiting too long to make repairs will only cost you more money in the long run.

Contact Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. for Assistance

If you have an older furnace that requires a tune-up or any other HVAC-related issues, Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. will be happy to assist you. We are an HVAC company that has served Downers Grove, IL and the surrounding areas for over 40 years, and we have become the leading choice for heating and cooling services in the region during that time.

Whether you need to replace an ailing furnace or you need to schedule a routine HVAC tune-up, we will always have your comfort in mind. Contact Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. in Downers Grove today for more information about our services, like heating repair!