Maximizing Your Furnace's Efficiency

When the cold winter months arrive, your furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home. It keeps you and your family warm and cozy, but if it isn't taken care of properly, it can become inefficient and cost you more money in energy bills. To make sure that your furnace is running at its best, here are some tips on how to ensure its efficiency.

Change Your Filters Regularly

One of the most important steps to take when maintaining your furnace is to check and change the filters regularly. Dirty filters can block air flow and cause your furnace to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. Depending on the type of filter you have, it should be replaced every one to three months.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

In addition to changing the filters regularly, you should also schedule an annual maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC technician. They will inspect all components of your furnace and make sure that everything is functioning properly. They can also clean out any dust or debris that may have accumulated over time as well as make any necessary repairs or adjustments for optimal efficiency.

Clean Around The Unit

Another way to ensure that your furnace runs efficiently is by cleaning around it. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate around the unit which can block air flow and reduce its efficiency. Make sure to vacuum or sweep around it regularly so that there are no obstructions blocking air flow.

Check For Leaks

Leaks in ductwork can also reduce a furnace's efficiency so be sure to check for them as well. Look for any visible signs of damage or wear-and-tear in ducts then use a smoke pencil or incense stick near each joint to look for changes in air flow.

Set The Thermostat Properly

The thermostat plays an important role when it comes to how efficiently a furnace operates too; setting it too low will cause it to run constantly while setting it too high will cause frequent cycling which uses more energy than necessary. To maximize efficiency, set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature when home, then lower it when away.

Upgrade Your Furnace

If your current model is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading. Newer models are much more efficient than older ones, helping save money on energy bills over time. When choosing a new one, look for one with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of at least 90%; this indicates 90% of fuel used by the unit gets converted into heat.

Conclusion

Maintaining your furnace properly is essential for keeping it running efficiently. By following these tips, you'll be able to ensure optimal performance from yours while saving money on energy costs over time!