Saving money may not be easy when temperatures drop below freezing, and you want your heater to come to the rescue. Your HVAC system accounts for about 40% of all your home’s energy consumption, and you can’t precisely stop using it to save energy and increase efficiency.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to improve heating efficiency that may help you spend less on your monthly utility bills and repair needs. Here are some tips to help you improve your furnace efficiency and save money.
1. Check and replace the air filter
Your furnace’s air filter prevents dirt, dust, and other debris from entering the system and damaging the components. However, when the air filter is too clogged, it restricts airflow and causes your furnace to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, which is inefficient. Change your furnace’s air filter every one to three months if you have pets or tend to bring lots of dirt and dust from shoes and clothes.
Replacing the air filter will help protect the system and maintain good indoor air quality. In addition, it will lower utility bills and protect your heating system from premature breakdowns that may be caused by increased wear and tear.
2. Schedule regular furnace turn-ups
Furnace maintenance is the best way to improve heating efficiency. Furnace HVAC professionals, such as Buckeye heating and cooling, give your system an energy tune-up with combustion analysis and high efficiency furnace installations. They will use advanced diagnostic tools to check your furnace and correct minor issues before they become major. This will ensure your furnace is running optimally, help reduce your energy costs and extend the lifespan of your furnace.
3. Install a programmable thermostat
Heating your house at the same temperature when you are away as when at home can be wasteful. A programmable thermostat enables you to set different and preferred temperatures for certain times of the day, based on whether you are at home or not.
You should let your thermostat setting remain for at least eight hours for the purpose of energy efficiency. Most devices offer weekly and monthly energy reports, tips to improve energy efficiency, and more.
4. Clean and seal your ductwork
Apart from dirt, ducts can accumulate microbes, bacteria, dust mites, pollen, and insect droppings. In addition, old, worn out, or incorrectly sealed air ducts can cause your heated air to escape on its way from the furnace into your house.
Consider having your ductwork cleaned and sealed by professionals to help reduce wastage of heated air. Your heating system will also be more efficient since it doesn’t have to work extra hard to heat your home. In turn, this saves you money by lowering your energy bills.
5. Balance indoor humidity levels
The perfect indoor humidity should be between 40% and 60%. Use a dehumidifier to maintain a 40% humidity level and increase heat transfer. Your home will feel warmer and comfortable during cold weather even when you haven’t adjusted the thermostat. Steady humidity levels also lower the cases of asthmatic attacks and reduce allergic reactions.
Endnote
With a long winter ahead, you will continually need to run your furnace for the next few months. If turning on your furnace makes you worry about high utility bills, you don’t have to anymore. Use these essential tips to help you improve your furnace efficiency and save money.
