Furnace Efficiency: 6 Ways You’re Overworking Your Furnace
Generally speaking, furnaces are built to last for a very long time. They can wear down due to being over-used, neglected, or abused. In the winter, you do not want to deal with a heating system that isn’t working properly.
Although your furnace is a durable piece of equipment, it can wear down if you do not use it correctly. This, eventually, can lead to a complete furnace breakdown. Until it gets to that point, your furnace efficiency will go down, resulting in high home heating costs. Furthermore, you’ll have to spend money on repairing your HVAC system frequently. Therefore, it is worth knowing how to properly maintain your furnace so that it can operate without any strain or extra effort.
How You Are Actually Overworking Your Furnace
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A lot of people tend to ignore the signs that their furnace isn’t functioning properly, at least initially. Not only that, but many homeowners cause furnace issues unknowingly. With that said, we’ll discuss a few ways homeowners tend to overwork their HVAC systems.
Not Turning Down The Thermostat At Night Or When Leaving Home
Many homeowners leave the thermostat set at the same temperature, even when they leave home for long periods. You shouldn’t do this because it means the furnace will end up working harder than it needs to. Also, you are heating an empty home, which is unnecessary. The same holds true when you are sleeping at night. Your bedding will keep you warm, and so you can lower the temperature on your thermostat.
To prevent overworking your furnace while cutting energy costs at the same time, you should install a programmable thermostat. This thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature based on the schedule you program into it. However, if this is not feasible at this time, then you should adjust your manual thermostat. You should turn it down when you’re about to leave and at night. When you’re home, set the temperature according to what the recommend thermostat settings are.
Allowing Cold Air To Enter Inside The Home
Some people leave their windows cracked in the middle of winter. Check your windows and doors to see if they are completely closed. Also, you want to locate any areas that allow drafts to get in. Common drafty areas include holes in a door or cracks near a window. If you find any sources for drafts, then fix them right away. Be sure to check your insulation as well.
Cranking The Thermostat
You don’t have to crank up the thermostat when you start to feel chilly. Doing so won’t actually heat your house up any faster. First, check the temperature on the thermostat because it should be set at your ideal temperature. If it’s not, then turn it up to the ideal setting, but not any higher than that. Cranking up the temperature beyond the ideal temperature setting will only overwork your furnace.
Objects That Block The HVAC Air Vents
A lot of people mistakenly cover their vents with curtains, furniture, and so forth. People will often ignore the location of their HVAC vents and put anything over them if they think it adds to the appeal of the room. This may include items such as plants or other solid items and decor. When the vents are blocked, then airflow is impeded, which means air won’t be evenly distributed. The same goes with putting a bed or large chair over a vent. The bottom line is to don’t put anything over the vents. Also, do not close vents even in unused rooms.
Not Having Annual HVAC Maintenance Performed
Annual HVAC maintenance is a must. When a furnace is inspected regularly, then potential issues will be discovered early on. In turn, you can have them fixed before they turn into major problems. Of course, the more complicated the problem, the more that it costs to repair. Plus, an annual furnace tune-up will play a role in keeping energy costs low.
Furthermore, you should change the filter to your furnace regularly. Clogged or dirty filters can cause your heating system to work harder than necessary. Ideally, you should inspect your filter every month. If dirty, then clean it or replace it.
Cheap Furnace Replacement
Furnaces age, and as they do they don’t remain as efficient as they were when they were new. Eventually, you’ll have to replace your furnace. This is regardless of how well you have taken care of it.
A furnace that is newer and more energy-efficient can make a difference in how efficiently your home is heated. Plus, air quality won’t be compromised. When replacing your furnace, don’t just go for the cheapest option. A heating system is an investment that will last you over a decade. Therefore, it is essential to make this choice wisely.
Signs Your Furnace Is Overworked
A furnace will display a few signs when it is overworked:
- Increased Energy Costs: Energy bills increase in the winter. However, if they seem much higher than usual, then your furnace should be looked at. Many reasons can be behind this increase, but there’s a chance it’s your furnace. Check your air filters and then contact an HVAC professional if your filters seem fine.
- Uneven Temperature Throughout Your Home: If there are a few cold and hot spots in your home, then your furnace may not be operating well. Contact a furnace repair specialist. They will be able to determine what the problem is.
- Frequent Repairs On Your Heating System: An overworked furnace usually requires frequent repairs. When a heater has to work harder than necessary, then it’s subjected to premature wear and tear. If repairs are frequently needed, then eventually, you’ll have to replace it.
Call Hart Home Comfort Today For Superior Home Heating Solutions
Everyone should take their home heating seriously. This means you should have a basic understanding of how your heating system works and what you have to do to maintain it. If you want to learn more about maintaining your system, then give a reputable HVAC company a call.
Hart Home Comfort offers quality heating and cooling services throughout the area. Our NATE certified technicians have experience with HVAC maintenance, repairs, tuneups, replacements, and installations. Whenever you need HVAC services, you can trust our team of technicians to provide you with fast and accurate solutions.
Do you have a heating system that needs to be replaced or repaired? If so, then contact us today. We provide nothing but the best furnace repair and replacement services. Our HVAC service prices are competitive, and we back our work with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. We aim to improve your comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality while reducing your energy costs.
Give Hart Home Comfort a call today to schedule an appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates. Call now!
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more!