As the temperatures drop during the winter months, it’s
typical to see energy costs soar. One of the best ways to ensure that you don’t
get hit with an unexpectedly high utility bill is to make sure your furnace is
running efficiently.
You might be wondering what you can do to save money,
prevent costly repairs, and increase the efficiency of your furnace. Follow
these four simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way to having the most
efficient furnace in your neighborhood!
1. Unblock All Air Vents
One of the first—and easiest—tasks to accomplish is to make
sure there isn’t anything blocking your registers, baseboard heaters, or
radiators. Pay especially close attention to furniture and heavy curtains, and
move any items that are causing obstructions. A sure sign that your air vents
are blocked is if one room in your home feels remarkably colder than another.
2. Change Your Furnace Filters
Another simple, yet often overlooked task is changing your
furnace filters. These filters are designed to trap allergens such as dust,
dirt, pet hair, and pollen, and can quickly become clogged—especially if you
have pets in your home. Typically, you should change your furnace filter every
3 to 12 months, although you should check your owner’s manual to determine the preferred
timing for your particular furnace.
Why it’s so important to change your furnace filter?
Dirty filters cause your furnace to work overtime to produce
heat and keep your home warm. Simply put, if you don’t change your filter
regularly, your furnace will run inefficiently. Plus, the harder your furnace
works, the more likely you are to need furnace
repair services—and you’ll probably see an increase in your
utility costs.
3. Program Your Thermostat Correctly
One of the best ways to save money and increase the
efficiency of your furnace is to program your thermostat for colder weather.
Most HVAC contractors suggest setting your thermostat at the lowest comfortable
temperature in order to decrease the amount of energy your furnace uses to heat
your home.
You can even program your thermostat to a lower temperature at
times when your family is typically out of your home or during the overnight
hours. If you’re heading out for a vacation, lower the thermostat even further,
but keep it above 55 degrees to prevent your pipes from freezing.
4. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance
Many HVAC contractors offer annual maintenance plans in
order to keep your furnace performing at its highest efficiency. Even if you
don’t sign up for a maintenance plan, you should still make an appointment to
have your system inspected at least once a year. By having your furnace
inspected and cleaned annually, you’ll save money in the long run and won’t have
to worry about needing a furnace
replacement during the coldest time of the year.
At Happy Home Heating & Cooling, we offer professional HVAC service
24/7 to ensure that your family is always comfortable, and our trained
technicians have the skills and expertise necessary to keep your system running
efficiently. If you think your furnace isn’t performing as it should, give us a
call today! You can also use our quick online form now to request a free
project estimate and consultation.
