How Does Furnace Maintenance Impact the Energy Efficiency of Your Home?

January 12, 2018
maintenance

Do you know that your furnace can lose efficiency over time? While unavoidable wear and tear during the years will impact your furnace’s efficiency, the leading culprit when it comes to furnaces losing efficiency is lack of maintenance. Taking the time to schedule regular maintenance is the greatest way you can keep your furnace working as it should and likely save some money on your utility costs.

At Winters Heating and Cooling, we suggest annual furnace maintenance. At each visit, we will evaluate your furnace for any likely problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also make sure your furnace is clean and make any necessary adjustments. One of the most important pieces of a clean furnace is a clean air filter. While our experts will replace the filter during furnace maintenance, you can help keep your furnace efficient by checking and replacing it throughout the year.

ENERGY STAR® recommends changing your air filter on a monthly basis. You might want to exchange your filter more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and what your indoor environment is like. For example, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more often than someone who doesn’t. By looking at your filter every month, you’ll start to see how often it should be replaced. Air will move more freely through your indoor space when you have a clean filter. You’ll see the improved air quality in addition to an increase in furnace efficiency. You could also extend the life expectancy of your furnace by keeping its filter clean. That’s because your furnace needs to run so much harder when you have a dirty air filter and that puts avoidable wear and tear on its components.

Another factor that could impact your furnace’s efficiency is leaking ductwork. If your ducts have any leaks, holes or poor connections, it’ll be harder for your system to efficiently deliver air through your indoor space. And even though your furnace will be operating overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you want. If you are questioning how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our experts at Winters Heating and Cooling.

Your heating and cooling system is responsible for around half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is a big deal. At Winters Heating and Cooling, we can help confirm your furnace is running at peak efficiency. Give us a call to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 317-406-5382.