Having a furnace that runs efficiently plays an important role in keeping your home and family warm over the long winter months.
Besides the obvious benefit of reliable warmth and comfort, a furnace that runs efficiently will also save on monthly utility bills and will last longer than a furnace that struggles to keep up with demand.
If you are experiencing uneven heating or high energy bills, it could be a sign that your furnace is running poorly.
Check the list below for tips on how to maintain efficiency over time!
Stay up-to-date with regular maintenance
First and foremost, don’t skip out on regular maintenance!
An annual inspection conducted by a professional is useful for helping to identify and proactively repair any components that are showing signs of wear or damage.
Besides this, you’ll want to make sure to inspect and replace air filters regularly so that the furnace does not have any obstacles to output. This also applies with checking and cleaning vents and ductwork, where blockages or leaks can result in your furnace needing to do double the work to produce the proper amount of heat.
Use a smart Thermostat
Make sure to make the most of new smart technologies by using a smart, programmable thermostat. This allows you to create schedules for additional efficiency.
Set temperatures to your desired comfort level when your family is at home — and then consider lowering the temperature at night or when you are away to save on wear and tear to your furnace system.
Improve Home Insulation
A great way to keep your furnace efficient is to reduce the amount of work it needs to do to keep the home warm.
Poor insulation is a common culprit that creates a drafty home and demands overtime work from your furnace. Take the time to seal around windows and doors, as well as checking your attic and basement for any insulation issues.
Thermal curtains are also an option in the winter to help keep heat from escaping and chilly air from entering.
Consider the Airflow around your home
Sometimes an obstruction in your heating system is responsible for poor output. Furniture or other items placed over vents and registers can leave heat trapped in the system instead of getting out and helping keep the house comfortable.
Secondly, ceiling fans are important for distributing warm air, especially in homes with high ceilings. Warm air that would otherwise be trapped gets circulated around to each of the rooms.
Is it time for an upgrade?
Sometimes the root cause of an efficiency issue is simply that the furnace is past its prime. If this is the case, it may be time to look for a new, high-efficiency system rather than struggle to get the last bit of life out of an expiring system.
While a furnace upgrade is certainly a cost upfront, it can help lower future monthly bills — especially when you continue to follow best practices for maintaining efficiency over time.
Looking for an HVAC specialisit in Ottawa?
If you want peace of mind that everything is in order and your home is ready for summer, now’s the right time to give us a call.
An expert HVAC technician from ABC Plumbing & Heating can come out to your home and plumbing systems.
We’ll be happy to point out any potential warning signs and speak to any of your concerns. We may also be able to identify and perform any preventative maintenance needed!
For more information call us today at 1 (613) 489-0120.