Furnace maintenance tips

Keeping you warm: That is the essential function of your furnace. It can be helpful to recognize when your furnace is nearing the end of its life or when it may just need a little TLC. Consider these furnace maintenance tips to help keep your furnace in good shape.

Furnace maintenance checklist

• Filter: Check it monthly and replace when suggested (or earlier, if needed). A clogged, dirty filter makes it harder for a furnace to do its job.
• Ducts and vents: Your ducts should be securely fastened together, and vents should be clear of debris or dust. Vacuum and dust your home regularly to help keep dirt out of air ducts. If your furnace uses a combustion air duct to pull in air from the outside, see that nothing blocks the outdoor vent such as shrubs, snow or debris.
• Service: Schedule service calls as suggested in your owner's manual or annually. The serviceperson can help you keep tabs on any issues with the condition or function of your furnace.

Average costs for a new furnace

According to HVAC.com, the average cost of a new furnace could range from $2,791 to $6,732.

• Gas furnace: around $3,000 + installation
• Electric furnace: around $2,000 + installation

Professional installation costs normally range around $3,800 to $7,200. Contact an HVAC professional for detailed pricing in your area.

Average life span of a furnace

According to carrier.com, the average lifespan is between 15 to 20 years. Conducting routine maintenance may help extend the life of a furnace even longer.

Does furnace efficiency matter?

• A more-energy-efficient furnace might equate to savings on your monthly utility bills. According to energystar.gov, an Energy Star-certified gas furnace, is about 11% more efficient than a non-Energy Star version.
• A programmable thermostat can help manage your furnace and energy consumption.
• Not sure whether your furnace is efficient? Ask your service professional what your annual fuel utilization efficiency rating is. Below 80% may indicate it's time for a new model.

Signs you may need a new furnace

• Your current furnace keeps breaking, leading to frequent disruptions and service calls.
• You notice big jumps in energy consumption, even when there's no associated jump in temperature extremes.
• The heat coming out of your furnace is not consistent — one room is cold, and another is hot, for example.
• Your service professional indicates there are cracks or other problems.

Does homeowners insurance cover a furnace?

A furnace isn't covered for normal wear and tear or replacement. This is considered to be part of your typical home maintenance. However, you may contact your local State Farm® agent for information on Home Systems Protection. This might offer insurance protection for certain perils typically not covered by a homeowners policy.

If you need a new furnace

• Get three bids to compare.
• Check to see if the estimate includes removal and disposal of the old model.

Now that you have learned more about furnace maintenance tips, you might be interested in reading about how to help your furnace work efficiently during extreme cold weather or get upkeep ideas for other home appliances.