How to Save Money by Extending the Life of Your Furnace

By Todd Jameson, Superior Water & Air

Keeping your thermostat within a 3-degree range is one of the easiest ways to save money on your utility bills and extend the life of your furnace. Constantly adjusting the temperature forces your HVAC system to work harder, leading to higher energy costs and unnecessary wear and tear.

By maintaining a steady temperature, you’ll not only keep your home comfortable but also help your furnace and air conditioner run more efficiently. Below, I’ll share some of the best practices I recommend to homeowners to save money and extend the life of their HVAC equipment.

Maintain a 3-Degree Thermostat Range

The best way to keep your furnace and air conditioning running smoothly is to keep your thermostat within a three-degree range. This simple tip prevents your system from working overtime.

The more you change the temperature, the harder it is on your furnace and AC. It’s much more expensive and puts extra strain on your system when you’re constantly adjusting the temperature. Keeping it steady is the way to go.

It takes An Hour Per Degree to Change the Temperature 

Changing the temperature in your home isn’t instantaneous. On average, it takes about an hour per degree for your furnace or AC to adjust the temperature. So, keeping things consistent helps avoid unnecessary strain.

I tell my customers to avoid big swings in temperature. It takes time for your furnace to catch up, and the more you ask of it, the harder it works.

Keeping the thermostat steady will help your home stay more comfortable without making your system work too hard.

Maintaining Your Furnace Like Your Car

Your furnace needs the same kind of care your car does. Just like a well-maintained car gets better gas mileage, a well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently.

Think of your thermostat like cruise control—steady speeds are much better than constantly speeding up and slowing down.

When you maintain a steady temperature range, your furnace runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Just like with a car, it’s about consistency.

Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes

Making large swings in temperature puts extra strain on your system. I often see customers who drop their thermostat to 65 degrees during the day, then crank it up to 72 or 73 when they get home. That extra effort is tough on your furnace.

If you drop the temperature too low when you leave, it’ll have to work a lot harder when you come back and crank it up again. You’ll save money and reduce wear and tear by keeping things steady.

Instead of turning the system off or drastically changing the temperature, try to keep it within that 3-degree range for best results.

Pay Attention to Strange Noises

Your furnace can tell you when something’s wrong. If you notice strange or loud noises, it’s often a sign that your system is under stress or needs maintenance. Addressing these issues early can prevent more expensive repairs later on.

If you hear something unusual, don’t wait. It could be an early warning sign of higher bills or a bigger repair coming down the road.

Consistency Is Key

Your furnace and AC don’t respond instantly, so maintaining a constant temperature is the most efficient way to keep things running smoothly. The less you force your system to adjust, the more efficiently it will work, and the longer it will last.

A little consistency goes a long way. It saves you money on your bills and keeps your furnace in good shape for the long haul.

Expert Recap: 

Here’s a quick recap of my top tips to help keep your HVAC system running efficiently and save you money:

• Keep your thermostat within a 3-degree range.
• Avoid drastic temperature changes.
• Treat your furnace like your car—steady operation is best.
• Listen for unusual noises and address them quickly.
• Consistency is key to long-lasting performance.

If you follow these tips, you’ll not only keep your home comfortable, but you’ll also protect your furnace from unnecessary wear and tear.

Feel free to reach out to Superior Water & Air and ask for me, Todd Jameson, for any questions. We’re always happy to help!