Last updated on August 8th, 2025 at 01:43 pm
Your furnace does a lot of heavy lifting in the winter to keep your home toasty. Like many homeowners, you may worry that pushing your heating system so hard will harm its lifespan. However, your system will keep on trucking so long as you treat it right.
Below, learn how to extend your furnace lifespan with expert tips from Paragon Heating and Home Comfort Solutions.
Run Your Furnace at a Consistent Temperature
You like it hot, so you turn the thermostat up to 75 degrees. Your spouse, who prefers things on the cooler side, dials it down to 68 a few hours later. Battling over the thermostat does more than just cause an argument; it can also drastically shorten your furnace’s lifespan.
Furnaces don’t tolerate constant starting and stopping very well. It puts strain on the system’s components, causing the unit to work harder. Think of it like a car: A vehicle driven mostly at consistent speeds on the highway gets better mileage than one subjected to frequent starts and stops on city roads.
Turning your thermostat way down doesn’t do the furnace any favors either. You might save on heating bills, but all that back and forth isn’t good for the unit either and causes long run times which ultimately defeats the purpose of turning it down to save on energy costs.
To improve efficiency and extend furnace lifespan, keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature. If you’re having trouble with this, consider installing a programmable smart thermostat.
Clean or Replace Your Air Filter
Like your air conditioner, your furnace has an air filter to trap dust and other debris. You may be tempted to forgo filter replacement to save a few bucks, but in doing so, you’re harming the lifespan of your heating system.
Basic unpleated filters are fairly thin and need replacing every 2-3 months. If your furnace uses a thicker pleated filter, you’ll need to change it every 6-9 months. HVAC experts recommend changing the filter more frequently if you have pets.
Some furnaces have reusable filters that need cleaning just as often. If yours has a reusable filter, be sure to wash it every 2-3 months.
Ensure That Your System Has Good Airflow
Your furnace needs adequate airflow to do its job properly. If the airflow becomes restricted, the system will work much harder and may overheat, this also ties back to making sure your filter is clean. Too much overheating can significantly lower the furnace lifespan.
This is why regular air duct cleaning is so important. Over time, air ducts become clogged with dirt, cobwebs, and other debris that can severely impact airflow. To prevent this, have a technician clean your ducts every 3 years.
Your outdoor vents need attention, too, especially if you have a gas furnace. Keep them free of debris such as twigs, leaves, and animal nests.
Add Insulation to Your Walls and Attic
Some homes, particularly older ones, lack insulation in the attic and walls. This isn’t such a big deal in mild climates, but in places with hot summers and cold winters, insulation is a must.
Insulation does a great job of keeping the warmth your furnace creates inside your home instead of allowing heat to escape to the outdoors. The warmer your home stays, the less hard your furnace will have to work.
Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
Scheduling annual maintenance is by far the best way to increase furnace lifespan and durability. Without maintenance, you may never know if your heating system has a brewing problem that will eventually require expensive repairs or replacement.
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, U.S. residents replace about three million HVAC systems every year. With good maintenance, you don’t have to be one of them.
Paragon Heating and Home Comfort Solutions offers the best furnace maintenance in Bellevue and beyond. During maintenance, our technicians will:
- Inspect your system for signs of wear and tear, such as corrosion
- Clean or replace the air filters
- Check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide in your home
- Clean the flame sensor and burners
- Inspect vents and ductwork for blockages
- Calibrate the thermostat and replace the batteries if necessary
- And more…
Our Heating Experts Will Help Keep You Cozy This Winter
If you’d like to get the most out of your furnace, our technicians at Paragon Heating and Home Comfort Solutions are here to help. We’re your one-stop shop for heating maintenance and repairs in Bellevue, Snohomish, Everett, and nearby areas.
Call us at (360) 658-9500 to schedule service or learn more tips for increasing your furnace lifespan.