Your home furnace is one of the most expensive and important machines that you rarely think about unless there is a performance issue or it fails.
Maintenance on your furnace can help your machine run more efficiently, last longer, and save you money.
Try these ideas for maintaining your furnace, assisting it to run less often, and perform better.
Replace the Filter on a Consistent Basis
Check the filter, and change it when it’s dirty and dusty to prevent clogging of the furnace. Keeping a clean filter in the furnace means it will run smoother. When the filter is full of debris, the furnace has to work harder to pull the air through.
Upgrade Your Thermostat to a Programmable Version
Programming your thermostat for weekdays and weekend settings so that you aren’t over-heating the home when you aren’t home can help you save a lot on energy and overuse of your furnace.
Check and Clear Your Air Vents
Making sure your air vents are open and able to freely circulate air around your house will allow your furnace to heat your home to the appropriate temperature setting as quickly as possible. If vents are blocked by furniture or other things and the air flow won’t get around the home, your furnace will have to run more frequently and work harder.
Give the Furnace Physical Space for Air Flow
The furnace needs to be able to pull air in and therefore allowing the furnace space around it will make it easier to pull air in without anything physically blocking the flow.
Window Insulation
Covering the windows with curtains or another material to further insulate the windows and create less draft, and maintain the home temperature will allow the furnace to run less frequently.
Furnace Maintenance by HVAC Professional
Schedule a visit by an HVAC professional to look over your unit and check for any underperforming or damaged parts before the peak season.
Run the Ceiling Fan to Rotate Air
Using a ceiling fan to circulate the air in your home and balance the air temperature.
Oven Use with Naturally Heat Your Kitchen Area
Home cooked meals that require using your oven will heat your home as a nice benefit of cooking.
Clever Decorations
Using area rugs on the floors will make rooms feel warmer and insulate rooms better than hardwood, laminate, etc.
Consider the Humidity
Using a humidifier will keep your home less dry, and may result in less dry-skin and throat pains. Increasing the humidity levels will help the heat flow and and help your wood floors and furniture last longer.
Garage Door
The garage door being open or cracked can result in some major insulation challenges on the door from the garage into the house. Be sure to close the garage door as much as possible.
I hope these tips can help you to increase the efficiency of your furnace by helping it to run more smoothly, run less often, and last longer!