Keeping your furnace running at an optimal level isn’t just about comfort, it also impacts your budget and well-being. Having a functional furnace during the winter months will help prevent costly pipe bursts, stress and even illness.
When your furnace runs efficiently, it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home. As a result, it will have a longer lifespan and keep your heating costs at a reasonable level.
Here are five tips for improving your furnace efficiency to keep you safe and warm during the winter months.
Schedule an Annual Furnace Inspection
One of the best things you can do to keep your furnace running at an optimal level is to schedule an annual inspection and tune-up. According to the experts at Morris Jenkins, a furnace tune-up will consist of a visual inspection, testing connections, cleaning any build-up, and replacing any damaged components.
An annual furnace inspection and tune-up will extend the lifespan of your furnace and help it work better during the cold months. This proactive maintenance will save on both utility bills and mitigate the need for a costly furnace upgrade.
Keep Filters and Registers Clean
Keeping your filters and registers clean is a must to keep your furnace running efficiently. Be sure that the area around your furnace is kept tidy and free of debris, using the soft attachment of your vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust. You can also keep the furnace filter clean between maintenance visits with a monthly clean-up.
Take the time to ensure your vents and registers are also clean and free of debris. Take the time to dust or vacuum the covers, and ensure no vents are blocked by furniture.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Using a smart or programmable thermostat can also help your furnace run efficiently. Use this option to schedule temperature fluctuations based on your family activity. For example, turn the temperature down when your family is at work or sleeping.
Keeping your home a few degrees cooler during the winter months and opt for a sweater and some warm socks to make a big difference in your furnace efficiency and heating bill.
Practice Proper Humidity Control
Monitoring your home’s humidity levels is important for several reasons. While the main concern is preventing mold and improving the air quality, there’s also the perceived temperature to consider. When the air is too humid, you may feel hotter during the warm months. Conversely, when the air is too dry, you may feel cooler than it actually is.
As the air tends to be drier during the winter months, ensuring you have optimal humidity levels will help you feel more comfortable. As a result, you won’t feel the need to crank up the heat and put additional pressure on your furnace. Aim for a 40% humidity level, using a humidifier if needed.
Seal Drafts and Exterior Factors
There’s nothing more frustrating than paying to heat your home and having that heat escape through drafts and gaps. If your home has older windows, consider investing in window sealing kits for the winter months. Then, take the time to check your attic and add more insulation, as needed. Finally, check your doors and outlets for drafts and block them if they are letting cold air in.
If you’re a homeowner with a bit of land, you can also use smart landscaping techniques to create a microclimate around your home. Use trees as a wind blocker while allowing channels for the sun to shine through and provide heat. This innovative strategy will help your furnace work more efficiently during the winter months.
With these simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your furnace and mitigate the need for costly heating bills and repairs.