How to Properly Maintain Your Furnace to Ensure a Longer Lifespan

How to Properly Maintain Your Furnace to Ensure a Longer Lifespan

When you make an investment in a furnace installation for your Oklahoma home, you want to know it’s going to last as long as possible. Although choosing a reliable brand that’s energy-efficient is important, regular furnace maintenance in Owasso and Tulsa goes a long way to keep your system up and running for years. Staying proactive with upkeep and care can help expand your heater’s lifespan and reduce your long-term repair costs and premature replacements. 

Ready to protect your furnace for the long-run? Here’s a step-by-step guide to keep your unit working as long as possible:

1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Changing out your furnace’s air filter is a simple but incredibly effective way to maximize its performance. Dust, pollen, and debris easily clog your filter, reducing the efficiency of your furnace. The consequences? You force your system to work harder just to keep your home warm while driving up your energy bills. 

Make it a point to replace your filter every 1 to 3 months. If you have a brand new system, you may not need to quite as often. The same thing works in reverse. If you have an older system that’s working nonstop in winter, you may need a more frequent air filter change. Call the team at Torch Service Company if you’re unsure about the process. We’ll schedule a routine maintenance appointment, show you how it’s done, and begin testing, checking, and cleaning your system to ensure optimal performance.

2. Clean the Furnace Interior

Similar to how dust and debris clog your filter, allergens and pollution can infiltrate your furnace, causing overheating and decreased efficiency. Keeping the interior clean enhances the performance of your furnace while minimizing the potential for fire hazards.

Get started by turning off the power to the furnace. You can also use a vacuum or a soft brush to carefully remove any excess dust. The goal is to remove dust from the burners, blower compartment, and other accessible areas as clean as possible without damaging any components. If you’re uncomfortable with the process, call the technicians at Torch Service Company. We’ll get your furnace clean and working as efficiently as possible in no time.

3. Inspect the Blower Motor in Your Furnace 

If you’re noticing strange sounds, vibrations, and a reduced air flow, you may have a problem with your blower motor. Any signs of damage and wear and tear need the intervention of a professional. Contact the team at Torch Service Company to inspect the blower and get any parts replaced, lubricated, or repaired to get your system back on track. If you let the problem go, you could end up with a complete system failure and need a new furnace installation. 

4. Check Thermostat Calibration

Your thermostat needs to be well calibrated to keep your furnace running and enjoy the temperatures you really want. By comparing the thermostat reading with a separate thermometer in the same room, you can maintain the system’s accuracy. Some fluctuations are normal, but if there is a noticeable difference, you have a problem. Try resetting the system, swapping the batteries out (if applicable) and changing out your filter. If the problem persists, you need one of our furnace technicians to look into what’s going on.

5. Lubricate Moving Parts

The moving part of your furnace needs regular lubricating to minimize the friction and reduce overall wear and tear. You can avoid early furnace breakdowns by lubricating the parts. However, unless you have experience with furnaces, you need the help of a pro. We’ll come out to inspect your key components, such as the blower motor bearings and the fan assembly, to ensure your furnace operates smoothly.

6. Inspect and Clean Ductwork

When your ducts are dirty, they restrict the airflow to your home and lead to inefficiencies and energy waste. Over time, you may also notice diminished indoor air quality. Get on top of the problem as soon as possible by removing the vent covers and using a vacuum to clean out dust and debris. You can also opt for a professional duct cleaning every few years to maintain optimal efficiency and maintain good indoor air quality.

7. Test Safety Features

Your furnace comes with built-in safety features to keep your home safe. It’s important to regularly test the limit switch and carbon monoxide detector. You can grab your manufacturer’s manual to find specific instructions. Make sure each feature activates as expected or call for an Owasso furnace repair right away.

8. Check Ventilation Systems

Your home needs proper ventilation to maintain the efficiency and safety of your system. Clogged vents or other parts of your furnace could lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide. It’s vital to regularly inspect the flue pipe and external vents to clear out any leaves, debris, or other blockages. 

While you’re looking over the ventilation, take the time to test your home’s carbon monoxide detector. It’s also wise to change out the batteries once a year to ensure your home’s safety. 

9. Schedule Annual Furnace Inspections

Even with a good DIY maintenance routine handling basic upkeep, you need a professional furnace inspection to identify any hidden issues and maintain the overall health of your furnace. Our expert technicians can spot potential problems, perform deep cleaning, run tests, and keep your system as efficient as possible. We’ll come out for an expert inspection to extend your furnace’s lifespan while providing you and your family more peace of mind. 

Call Torch Service Company for All of Your Furnace Needs

A little furnace maintenance in Tulsa and Owasso can save you thousands in the long run. Call the team at Torch Service Company for comprehensive maintenance services, repairs, and new installations as a one-stop solution for all of your Tulsa furnace needs. Schedule your appointment today!

Click on any of the links below to read more heating tips and tricks for your home:

• 5 Common Furnace Maintenance Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
• How Regular Heating Maintenance Saves You Money
• 10 Essential Heating Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner
• How to Winterize Your Home’s Heating System: A Complete Checklist
• Is Your Furnace Ready for Winter? Answer These 7 Questions to Find Out