Living in Michigan, you know how important a good working furnace can be and why it’s needed so badly in the depths of winter. A broken furnace when the temperatures dip below freezing is no joke and can be a dangerous situation. If you want to avoid an unexpected breakdown of your home’s furnace in Michigan and potentially costly repair, follow these tips to keep your furnace in good shape and make it last longer.
Pro Tips for Making Your Furnace Last Longer in Michigan Weather
A good working furnace is needed during those winter months when temperatures get down into freezing. And while most home furnaces are up to the task, without proper maintenance on your home furnace it can be on the verge of failure at any moment. There are some things you can do which can help add longevity to your furnace which we’ll cover below:
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your furnace is replace the air filter at least once per season. If you have several pets in the home or live in an area with lots of dust and debris around you may need to change it more often. A clogged filter keeps air from flowing through your system properly and can eventually cause serious damage to your unit. Make sure to check the filter every month or two and change it when needed. This can not only help to add some life to your furnace, it can also help you save on energy costs as well.
Schedule Regular Tune-Ups on your Furnace
Just like any other machine, furnaces need regular maintenance to stay in peak condition and prevent breakdowns. We recommend having a professional inspect your system at least once each year before the cold weather hits, so potential issues can be addressed before they become bigger problems down the road. During a tune-up, technicians will inspect all parts of the system for wear and tear and clean them as needed as well as check for signs of corrosion or other damage that could lead to future breakdowns or safety hazards. Depending on the service level, the technician may also clean the furnace and ducts as well.
Make Sure You Have Enough Insulation
Another key factor in keeping your furnace running smoothly is proper insulation throughout the living area your home. Poor insulation leads to higher energy bills and puts added strain on your heating system, which can cause it to wear out faster than expected over time. Consider adding extra insulation around windows, doors, exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces if needed (especially if you’re noticing cold spots throughout your home or drafty windows).
Check Weatherstripping Around Windows and Doors
Escaping air from your home can lead to increased furnace use. Cold air entering the home from drafty windows or doors can cause your home furnace to work much harder to keep the home warm. You can check the weatherstripping around most doors and windows by a simple visual inspection. Make sure the door or window is sealed when closed and not have a draft coming through. Some weatherstripping can be adjusted to ensure a seal.
Keeping up with regular maintenance of your home furnace is one of the best ways to keep your furnace healthy for years to come—not only does it extend its life but it also helps ensure that it runs safely and efficiently during those cold Michigan winters! And don’t forget about checking/changing filters often and making sure that you have enough insulation throughout your home as well; these are two simple yet effective steps that go a long way in maintaining a functional heating system for years down the road.
With just a little bit of effort on your part, you can keep your furnace running strong without any unexpected surprises! If you need furnace repair or replacement in your home be sure to call the experts at J&K Heating and Cooling in Monroe County Michigan. We can also perform regular maintenance on your furnace to ensure it can handle even the coldest Michigan winter. Call us today at (734) 587-3184 to schedule an appointment for your annual furnace maintenance.
