The ability to walk out of the cold winter weather and into a warm, welcoming home is an everyday luxury we’re lucky to have. When the furnace starts getting older or wearing down, it can impact the air quality, temperature consistency, and home heating costs.
Taking a proactive approach to caring for your furnace will minimize wear and tear as it ages. Here are five tips to ensure your furnace remains efficient.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
One of the best things you can do to keep your furnace running well is to conduct annual maintenance. According to the home heating experts at Morris Jenkins furnace service in Huntersville, annual tune-up appointments are the best way to keep your furnace running efficiently while offsetting repair costs.
During a maintenance visit, the technician will change air filters, check fluid levels, flush the lines, and conduct other routine maintenance as needed. This appointment minimizes wear and tear and ensures your furance operates optimally.
Clean Vents and Filters Regularly
As air moves through your furnace and heating system, it naturally collects dust and debris. These particles block the filters and cause the furnace to work harder than it should to reach the same output.
Clean your filters according to manufacturer instructions— usually, a quick vacuum and wash will suffice. Be sure to vacuum vents and vent covers at least once per month. Planning a ventilation blow-out every two to three years can also help improve HVAC efficiency.
Tidy the Area Around Your Furnace
A commonly overlooked furnace care task is keeping the area around the furnace tidy. Excess dirt and grime can end up in the furnace through the intake vent. This dirt will accumulate inside the furnace, causing it to work harder than necessary.
It’s also essential to be mindful of items placed near the furnace. If your furnace is in the laundry room, ensure all laundry and detergents are stored away. Laundry can be a fire hazard if it’s near the furnace and can block intake vents. Keep all combustible products and liquids away.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats improve furnace efficiency by letting it rest during downtime. Program the temperature to drop while you sleep or the house is empty. A few degrees difference will put less strain on the furnace and help it run efficiently for longer.
Smart thermostats also provide scheduling settings, remote access, and analytics about your consumption habits. These handy devices also save you money!
Control the Airflow
Manipulating the airflow in your home is a cost-savvy way to maintain your furnace. Use vents and fans to direct air in the rooms where it’s needed. The problem with whole-house systems is that 90% of the rooms might be empty most of the day. By closing vents and doors, you can minimize wasted energy and heat by directing the air accordingly.
Ceiling fans are a wise investment for optimizing your furnace performance and paying for themselves within a season. Turn your fans on a low setting and clockwise during the winter to push warm air back to the floor.
These five simple tips can help you extend the lifespan of your furnace while minimizing your home heating costs. Maintaining your furnace will pay for itself.