October is here, which means we’re already entrenched in cold fall weather with even colder months of winter just around the corner. If you’re like most people, you’re probably running your furnace more often than not to keep you and your family feeling comfortable and safe.
If your furnace is constantly running, though, it’s natural to wonder if this is good for it. After all, any appliance can become more prone to breakdowns and malfunctions with continuous use. That said, there are some benefits to consider as well.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of continuously running your furnace during cold weather.
How Keeping Your Furnace on Can Help Your Home
The main benefits of continuously running your furnace are keeping your home at a consistently comfortable temperature and circulating air. This is more important in homes with multiple stories or poor insulation because heat rises, which means that lower levels will eventually lose their heat before higher ones do. When warm air is always circulating throughout a home, it means that all parts of that home are evenly heated at all times.
Running your furnace all the time can also improve indoor air quality by circulating air through filters that clean out allergens like dust, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and even pollen that got packed into carpet and fabrics during spring and summer.
Why Constantly Running Your Furnace May Be a Concern
Running your furnace all the time comes with some key benefits, but there are some possible trade-offs to consider. For one, a furnace that’s always running will lead to higher energy bills. This is because your appliance is constantly using electricity or gas to keep your home at an even temperature. Again, this may be of more concern for homes with multiple levels or poor insulation, where trapping heat on the lower level is more difficult.
There is also wear and tear on your furnace to consider. Continuously running your furnace will inevitably cause wear and tear that can lead to a breakdown unless the appliance is properly maintained. For this reason, you should consider getting your furnace inspected at least once a year to make sure it’s ready for heavier-than-usual use.
Will My Furnace Break Down Sooner If It’s On a Lot?
Not necessarily. Furnaces are built with durability and long-term, consistent use in mind. The manufacturers anticipate them to be in near-constant use for several months at a time, so you don’t necessarily have to expect a breakdown to occur sooner than if you weren’t using the furnace so frequently.
Again, however, wear and tear does occur and can eventually lead to a malfunction or breakdown over time and if the furnace isn’t properly maintained.
Conclusion
While your furnace is built to run a lot – even 24/7 – for a few months at a time, it should be inspected at least once a year to make sure it’s in good working condition. Addressing small problems that can be found with an inspection as soon as possible can mean avoiding a more serious issue that causes your furnace to break down.
For more information about how Meyer’s can help you maintain, repair, or install a new furnace, contact us online!