A furnace or HVAC system isn’t a product that you’ll purchase every year. Besides, it’s not financially feasible to buy a furnace every winter. So, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace gives you service for at least 10 to 15 years. But how to increase the longevity of your furnace?

Before jumping into the main topic, you need to know a few common reasons why your furnace might stop functioning at any moment.

3 Reasons Why Your Furnace Can Stop Functioning Suddenly

1.      Malfunctioning Blower Motor

Furnace blower motor pushes the hot air through the vents and keeps your space warm. As the blower motor has several movable parts, it can have wear and tear over time. Usually, your furnace blower motor can be damaged because of excessive moisture and dust and if the furnace overheats. When you have a malfunctioning blower motor, you won’t get the desired heating, and your HVAC unit will stop suddenly.

If you notice any unusual noise coming from your furnace, sudden spike in the energy bills, or no hot airflow coming from the vents, you probably have a malfunctioning blower motor.

If you have a malfunctioning blower motor, you’ll have to replace it. While replacing the blower motor, always call a heating expert. Before replacing the broken blower motor, the heating professional will take some measures such as the motor diameter, drive type, direction of the rotation, etc.

2.      Dirty Furnace Air Filter

A dirty furnace air filter not only degrades the IAQ but also slowly damages your furnace. When you keep using a clogged furnace air filter, all the dust and particles will start to accumulate inside the HVAC unit. Besides, it’ll hinder the airflow of your system. As a result, your furnace will have more pressure and function longer. Eventually, you’ll have a furnace breakdown.

That’s why it’s advised to change the furnace air filter every 60 to 70 days. Again, if you live in a polluted area or near industrial zones, you may have to replace them more frequently. Contact your local heating or HVAC experts to know about the exact period.

3.      Malfunctioning Furnace Pilot Light

Your furnace won’t start when you have a malfunctioning furnace ignitor or pilot light. Usually, homeowners face this problem when the furnace ignitor becomes dirty. If you haven’t cleaned your furnace recently or skipped regular furnace maintenance, there is a high possibility that your furnace ignitor is dirty.

Apart from it, if you have a faulty thermostat or gas line, your furnace ignitor won’t work, eventually leading to the complete system shutdown.

3    Ways to Increase Furnace Longevity

1.   Do Regular Furnace Inspection

If you want your furnace to serve for years, you should never skip regular furnace inspections. During a furnace inspection, a heating expert will check all the parts of your furnace, and if there is a fault in any of the furnace parts, the professional will repair or replace it. As a result, your furnace will operate smoothly, and you won’t have to deal with CO or other hazardous chemicals.

2.   Do the Furnace Repairs Timely

As soon as you identify an issue in the furnace, you’ll have to solve it. If you keep it for later or ignore it, it’ll start to degrade other furnace parts and add up to your total repair cost. Eventually, your furnace will completely shut down, and when you try to repair it, it’ll cost you 10x the initial furnace repair cost. That’s why, when you notice any fault in the furnace, repair or replace it.

3.   Give Importance to Air Duct Cleaning

If you want to increase your furnace’s lifespan, you’ll have to give importance to air duct cleaning too. When the air ducts are clogged, your furnace won’t get enough air supply. As a result, your furnace will have to operate longer, putting a lot of pressure on the system. Eventually, the lifespan will decrease, and you won’t get the desired heating. That’s why during regular inspections or checkups, make sure to check the furnace air ducts. If you haven’t cleaned the air ducts in years, hire an air duct cleaning company to clean them. Again, if there are any leaks in the air ducts, you’ll have to repair or replace them entirely.

Green Leaf Air provides 24/7 emergency HVAC service to our clients. Call 972-992-5006 for more details and free quotations.

See the summary of this in an infographic – 3 Ways to Increase Furnace Longevity [Infographic]