Your home’s furnace is designed to last for many years, but it can wear down prematurely if it’s mishandled or overused. As a result, your heating system could be at risk of breaking down and needing costly repairs. Here are some situations to be mindful of if you think you’re overworking your heater.

Why Is My Furnace Working Overtime?

1. Inadequate Insulation

If you feel a cold draft in your home, chances are your doors and windows aren’t properly insulated. Vulnerable areas like cracks, holes, and gaps let in cool winter air if you have aging insulation.

Because warm air from the furnace is also escaping, the equipment has to work extra hard to heat the rooms in your home. You may also see a spike in utility bills. 

2. Closed Vents

You may think shutting the vents in an unoccupied space saves heat, but this actually causes your furnace to work harder. This is because your heating system is designed to heat the square footage in your home’s interior. By obstructing your vent, your furnace won’t be able to distribute warm air evenly and will eventually short cycle. 

3. Dirty Filter

Aside from keeping your residence free of harmful pollutants and contaminants, furnace filters need to be free of dust and debris to keep your system clog-free.

If you neglect to replace your filter at least once a season, fresh air won’t be able to freely flow through your system and the blower fan has to work hard to do its job. This could result in a worn fan or a system shutdown.

4. Frequent Thermostat Adjustments

If you’re too hot or too cold, you might think it’s a good idea to adjust the thermostat. However, your heater is designed to run in cycles to keep your home’s temperatures balanced.

By manually turning your thermostat on and off, you’re forcing your heating system to work harder, which will wear down its components more quickly and consume additional energy to accommodate your fluctuating needs. 

 

To prevent putting your furnace into overdrive, schedule your yearly maintenance tune-up with Superior Gas. With locations throughout Alabama, the customer-focused natural gas company provides a wide range of services to keep your home comfortable year-round. For a free estimate or to speak to a representative, contact their main office at (256) 396-2428. Check out their services online.