Heating in Minneapolis is a rough task to take on. When winter temperatures fall well below 0 degrees and even the spring and fall seasons are sprinkled with frigid days, only a brave piece of machinery can be enlisted to keep you warm.

A furnace should last you a pretty long time. Exactly how long is hard to say; most should last about 15 years, but depending on how harshly you abuse your own, you could be paying for a replacement or furnace repair in MN within 5 years.

That’s no way to treat your heater. It keeps you warm; why not keep it healthy? If sympathy is not enough for you, then how about cash savings? The longer your furnace lasts, the rarer your replacement or repair costs will be, plain and simple.

Now that we have that straightened out, let’s establish that you are responsible for your furnace’s longevity. We understand if you need some help keeping it in shape, though, so here are some tips for helping your furnace stay with you for a long time.

1. Get a Tune-Up Every Fall

Be sure to have your furnace tuned up every fall to prepare for several long months of persistent heating. Do not have just anybody take a look at your machinery. Be sure that a service technician provided by a company that both repairs and provides heating systems stops by. Also be sure that they are experienced with and could provide related machinery like ventilation components. Only they will have the specialized expertise to recognize common problems, identify if your furnace or a related component is the cause of any potential heating problems, and fix these issues before you are left shivering through the winter.

2. Replace the Filter

This is a big one: replace your furnace filter every single time it is dirty and as soon as it is dirty. A dirty air filter can kill your furnace. Here is how: air attempts to flow to the furnace, but filter gunk impedes its path; this forces your furnace to work harder, which, naturally, results in a shorter life span. Think of how much worse off your car would be if you accelerated and braked drastically. Your furnace filters should be replaced every month. Only a good, pleated filter will be sufficient for your system.

3. Increase Efficiency

Now that we have established that a furnace that works harder will tire out and give out sooner, find ways to take a load off of your system. Seal any air leaks, especially from your basement or attic. Next, install a programmable thermostat to keep your utility costs low and prevent unnecessary heating, such as heating while you are away from home. Also, be sure your ducts are insulated. If you are unsure, have a heating and cooling repair expert take a look for you. They will know right away.

No matter what you do, though, sometimes a furnace can give out on its own. You care for and nurture it, but it goes kaput anyway. At the first sign of a problem, contact furnace maintenance experts to take care of any issues.