With the fall season in full swing, you may be wondering how you can prepare for winter. Maintaining your furnace is essential if you want to limit your energy bills during the cold months, and extending your furnace’s lifespan can save you a lot more in the long run. This guide reviews how you can get the most out of your furnace.
Why Furnace Maintenance Matters in Ottawa’s Climate
Ottawa’s winters are long, dry, and brutally cold. Furnaces here run for six to seven months of the year, often through extreme temperature swings that place heavy stress on internal components. The constant heating and cooling cycles cause metal parts, such as heat exchangers, to expand and contract thousands of times each season. Without proper maintenance, this process can take a toll on your furnace’s performance, making it less efficient, increasing your energy bills, or giving out altogether.
The Cost of Skipping Furnace Maintenance
Neglecting furnace maintenance might save time and money in the short term, but it will cost much more in the long run: a $150 annual tune-up can easily prevent a $2,500 mid-winter furnace replacement. Beyond cost, there’s also safety to consider, since dirty burners or blocked vents can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
Expected Furnace Lifespan
The average furnace might last up to 20 years, but most people aren’t aware that they can get much more with good practices. When maintained properly, a furnace can actually last up to 30 years. This is on the rare side, but when you know how to maintain a furnace, you’re immediately adding years to its life.
Upgrade Options That Boost Furnace Longevity
A few small upgrades can make a big difference in extending the lifespan of your furnace. The goal here is to help your furnace run smoothly, reduce energy consumption, and prevent costly repairs.
- Smart thermostats and zoned heating systems can reduce unnecessary runtime and minimize energy waste.
- Whole-home humidifiers maintain ideal humidity levels (30% to 50%), preventing dry air that stresses furnace components.
- High-efficiency filters or air purifiers improve airflow, capture fine particles, and protect internal parts from dust buildup.
Factors that Wear Out Your Furnace
The main cause of furnace wear and tear is the expansion and contraction of heat exchanger components. These parts of your furnace heat up and cool down in cycles, which can degrade the quality of the metals they’re made of. There are a few other issues that can reduce your furnace’s life, however.
Not replacing your furnace filters, thermostat issues, blower motor problems, and faulty pilot lights are also common issues with furnaces. The good news is that you can usually hire someone who has furnace repair and maintenance expertise to fix these problems.
Signs Your Furnace May Be Working Too Hard
If your furnace is working too hard, it will show symptoms before failing. Watch out for these red flags:
- Uneven heat distribution is often caused by dirty filters or duct obstruction.
- Strange noises, like rattling or banging, can indicate loose or worn parts.
- Frequent thermal cycling could be due to thermostat issues or restricted airflow.
- Rising gas or hydro bills usually signal that the furnace is running longer to meet the same heating demand.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an inspection before minor issues lead to expensive repairs.
Tips for Extending Your Furnace’s Lifespan
Ways to extend the lifespan of your furnace include the following.
Perform Routine Maintenance
It’s important to have someone inspect your furnace twice a year and perform recommended repairs where needed. Investing a little money in these services upfront can save you thousands of dollars in the long term because your furnace will last longer and heat more efficiently. This keeps your monthly energy bills down as well.
Pay Attention to Your Condenser
You might not realize that the damage done to a condenser over the summer through wind and hail storms may harm your heating system. If you’ve recently experienced a severe storm, you should look over your air conditioning condenser to see if it’s been damaged.
Insulate Your Home Well
One great way to improve the life of your furnace is to check your home for potential gaps in insulation or insulation that’s past its life. Insulation can extend your furnace’s lifespan because well-insulated homes don’t require their heating systems to be active as much. If you can reduce the amount of time your furnace runs, you’ll extend its life.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
The primary benefit of having a smart thermostat is that you’re able to remain comfortable while saving a considerable sum on your energy bills. Smart thermostats regulate your home’s temperature to reduce energy consumption and only heat certain rooms when you’re likely to be using them. An added benefit is that smart thermostats make furnaces work less and more efficiently, prolonging their lives.
Check Your Filters
If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, there are several potential issues you may run into. The first is that the air quality in your home will begin to suffer. Viruses and airborne bacteria are often filtered out through your air filter so that you can breathe better. As filters get gunked up, they also force your HVAC system to work harder, reducing the life of both your furnace and air conditioner.
Year-Round Habits for a Longer-Lasting Furnace
A few consistent habits throughout the year can dramatically extend the life of your system:
Fall
Schedule your annual furnace inspection with Top Hat before the first frost, ideally by mid-October. Our technician will visit your home and check burners, filters, and safety controls, ensuring everything is clean and operating safely before heavy use begins. It’s also a good time to replace your air filter and test your thermostat to confirm it’s responding accurately.
Winter
Keep air vents clear of furniture, rugs, and drapes to maintain consistent airflow throughout your home. Periodically monitor your thermostat to ensure the temperature readings are accurate and that the furnace isn’t cycling too frequently. If you notice an issue, give us a call.
Spring
Once heating season winds down, schedule a professional duct cleaning to remove accumulated dust, pet hair, and debris. This improves air quality and reduces resistance for the next heating cycle. Inspect visible furnace components for corrosion, leaks, or worn belts; early detection allows easy repairs before fall arrives again.
Summer
Protect the outdoor condenser or heat pump from damage by trimming nearby shrubs and clearing away leaves, twigs, and other debris. Covering the unit with a breathable protective cover off-season can also help prevent buildup and keep the furnace ready for another heating season.
Trusted Furnace Experts in Ottawa & Carleton Place
Whether you’re looking for a new furnace or want to get the most out of the one you already have, we can help at Top Hat Home Comfort Services. Since 1974, we have helped homeowners across Ottawa and Carleton Place stay safe, warm, and energy-efficient through every season. Our technicians can diagnose and repair any furnace issue you may have and reduce the risk of a furnace breakdown through routine maintenance. Schedule your maintenance today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert, family-owned service.
