Furnace lifespans can be extended with a few straight forward tasks including, proper maintenance and minimizing exposure to elements. On average the lifespan of a furnace generally varies between fifteen and twenty years.
While neglecting and failing to schedule annual maintenance leads to shorter lifespans, following the tips below helps extend and prolong the lifespan of residential heating furnaces.
What are Common Issues that Degrade Furnaces?
Overtime furnaces degrade. Even when properly maintained. However, certain variables cause more strain and corrosion on a heating system. Help minimize safety and performance problems to furnaces by addressing the following:
- High humidity levels – The high levels of humidity around the year cause an extra strain on Nashville HVAC systems and furnaces. The extra strain contributes to added wear and tear that can tax HVAC systems. This is especially true when residential occupants work from home as additional strain is put on heating and cooling systems.
- Dirty and worn furnace filters – Long warm up times and overheating are common symptoms associated with filters in need of replacement.
- Exposure to outdoor elements – Furnaces that are poorly enclosed, improperly installed or have damaged furnace housing – including improper installation techniques – are more exposed to corrosion and component wear. This may reduce the overall service life of a furnace compared to properly enclosed and maintained furnaces.
- Stored items and clutter around heat source – Commonly stored clutter like cardboard, paint, cleaning materials, tools and laundry piles should be stored at least three feet clear in the front of the furnace. Storage of these items is a health and safety hazard that blocks and restricts airflow. Maintain at least a three foot barrier at all times.
Address Humidity & Air Quality
May through the end of September are the hottest and muggiest months in Nashville and Bellevue, TN. Apart from the extended summer, the high levels of humidity and precipitation levels that frequently surpass sixty inches annually. This added humidity causes added stress and degradation on HVAC systems.
Annual and bi-annual HVAC maintenance address the issues that cause musty orders and helps contribute to improved interior air quality. When home and short term rental owners are proactive, the residents of Nashville and Davidson County can extend the longevity of HVAC units.
What are Qualities of a Dirty Furnace Filter?
Frequently overlooked, furnace filters in need of replacement are the most common culprit of furnace and air quality issues. Operating the heater with filters that are dirty are common contributing factors that lead to minuscule pieces of dirty filter components breaking down and entering heating systems. When old and dirty furnace filters degrade, tiny filter components can reduce the performance and wellbeing of the heater. Dirty furnace filters can cause:
- Long warm up times
- Overheating
- Clogged valves
- Obstructed thermocouples
Maintain Safe HVAC & Outdoor Housing
In Nashville, and across Tennessee, it is relatively uncommon for heating systems to be installed outdoors of a building or single family residence. If furnaces are installed outside, it is generally done so in a packaged HVAC unit.
Space permitting, minimizing the outdoor elements and placing a furnace in a garage, attic or other area of a home can extend the lifetime of a furnace. In the humid local climate of Central Tennessee, proper HVAC enclosure and routine maintenance help minimize corrosion and oxidation. More importantly, proper housing supports long-term furnace health.
Keep Furnace Free From Debris
Furnaces in garages and high trafficked laundry rooms are subject to blockage, dust and debris accumulation around a furnace. Always maintain at least a three foot barrier around a furnace and any HVAC housing.
Schedule Annual or Semi-Annual Furnace Maintenance
Semi-annual and annual home maintenance plans are an ideal, cost-effective way to extend furnace life times. Help reduce long-term costs from total replacement equipment and services with regularly scheduled services with our maintenance packages.
