4 Secrets to Extending the Life of Your Heating System

A good heating system should have a reasonably long service life, and considering the cost of replacement, it only makes sense to try to get as many years out of it as you can. In today’s post, Three Rivers Heating and Cooling shares some ways to extend the life of your heating system.

1. Regular Maintenance. This is probably the most obvious answer, but you might be surprised by how many homeowners fail to have their HVAC systems inspected by a professional. The point of maintenance inspections and tune-ups is to identify issues like leaks, wear and damage, and fix them before they can get worse. Since HVAC systems have a lot of parts that are exposed to wear, certain issues are not a matter of if, but when. The best way to get the most years out of your heating system is to take preventative action.

2. Fresh Air Filters. The air filters in your HVAC system traps dust and other indoor air pollutants, and they get filled to capacity in one to three months. Check them at least once a month and replace them when full. Most of today’s HVAC systems feature user-replaceable air filters, which means you can replace your own without the assistance of an HVAC professional. If you have a ductless mini-split heat pump, the air filters are washable instead of replaceable.

3. Use the Ceiling Fan. Another secret to getting more years out of your heating system is taking steps to reduce its workload. One such step is turning on your ceiling fan when the heating system is running. Warm air naturally rises and tends to settle near the ceiling. Running your ceiling fan in a clockwise direction pushes the air from the ceiling down. Not only does it help create even heating in the room, it also helps reduce the workload on your heating system.

4. Fix Insulation Issues. A poorly-insulated building would require longer running times for the heating system, which equates to a greater workload and more strain. On the other hand, a well-insulated building retains heat for far longer, which means the heating system won’t need to run as often. In addition to the attic and wall insulation, consider investing in ENERGY STAR®-rated windows, doors and skylights.

Having issues with your heating system? Give our team at Three Rivers Heating and Cooling a call at (503) 739-5400. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.