Your heating system is crucial in the winter months. You may not pay much attention to it, but checking how your unit is working and how you use it can make your heating system last longer. Here are five ways to extend the life of your heating system.
1. Monitor Your Thermostat
One way to prolong the life of your heating system is to pay close attention to temperature settings. During the winter, establish a set temperature for the day and night.
For example, you could set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you are at home during the day to save money and preserve the life of your system. At nighttime, you can set the temperature lower.
On really cold days, you may push the setting up into the 70s but monitor how long you need it. Leaving heating systems at 74 or 75 degrees for prolonged periods usually makes a house too warm. It also adds up to a higher energy bill and shortens the life of your system.
Another option is to install a smart thermostat that can be set and monitored from your mobile phone. Any system should keep a constant setting for most of the day and all of the night.
Following these thermostat tips will help add up to energy savings and extend the life of your heating system.
2. Don’t Rely Solely on Your Heating System
Along with watching the thermostat, you can lessen the load on your heating system by relying on other ways to stay warm. For example, you can wear warmer clothes while indoors.
When it gets colder, try not to think of your heating system as the only way to stay warm. You may dress in sweaters and long sleeves when outside but neglect to do so when inside.
You could use humidifiers in the winter to help provide moisture to the air. Using your heating system dries out the air and irritates your skin. Using humidifiers not only provides needed moisture to your skin but also makes you feel warmer because of the added humidity.
Arranging for an inspection of your insulation and door and window seals will also help reduce reliance on your heating system. Likewise, scheduling maintenance for your system will help it stay in top condition and last longer.
3. Change the Air Filters
Your HVAC system relies on air filters to circulate clean air. By cleaning and changing your air filters, your system will run better and longer.
Filters prevent dirt, dust, pet hair, and other particles from going into the blower fan and circulating in your home’s air. Over time, debris builds up in your filters, and the airflow gets reduced.
Dirty air filters contribute to a shorter life for your heating system because it has to run longer and work harder. The stress on your system can be avoided by having your filters changed with your regularly scheduled maintenance.
Filters should be changed about every three months. If you have a pet in your home, consider changing your filter more often. So, you will probably need to replace them in between your yearly maintenance visit.
Paying attention to your filters can go a long way to extending the life of your heating system.
4. Schedule Yearly Maintenance Visits
Preventive maintenance will help you take care of your heating system and extend it’s life. Your system should be inspected and cleaned each year to keep it running properly.
Annual maintenance visits will check for any worn parts or clogged lines and head off more costly repairs. These visits will inspect the electrical connections, blower wheel, and gas pressure.
When technicians maintain your system, they will make sure it is working efficiently so that you can get the most out of it. A clean and maintained heating system will add up to better air quality, lower energy bills, and a longer life for your unit.
Reliable Heating Service and Maintenance
Please feel free to contact us at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for more information about heating systems, repairs, and maintenance services. We provide services to American Fork and the surrounding areas. We can take care of all your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Call us today!
