Furnace Efficiency
January is just the beginning of winter in the Tennessee Valley, but you’ve likely already cranked up your furnace once or twice this season. With just having passed the holidays, you’re probably looking for some ways to save some extra cash. Luckily, we have the solution: boost your furnace’s efficiency! Maintaining high furnace efficiency will keep repair costs down, energy bills low, and comfort at an all time high! So, make some room in your wallet for some extra cash and follow these furnace efficiency tips.
1. Clear and Clean Air Vents
It’s not uncommon for vents to become blocked by furniture, curtains, or even the kid’s toys. Making sure the vents are clear of any obstructions will keep your furnace from working harder than it needs to to keep your home comfortable. This also goes for dust and debris blocking the flow of air into your home. Clean your vents regularly to ensure the air in your home is clean and your furnace is efficient.
2. Change Air Filters
The filter in your comfort system keeps airborne allergens and particulates from entering your home, so of course, it’s going to experience regular buildup. The best way to avoid a clogged filter is by changing it regularly; every 1-3 months. Once your filter becomes clogged, your furnace has to work harder to heat your home properly, raising your energy bills and leaving you feeling chilly.
A clogged filter can also cause more issues than just inefficiency. It can cause the blower motor to overheat, tripping safety sensors that shut the system down completely. It can also aid in the development of premature cracks in the heat exchanger, allowing dangerous leaks of carbon monoxide. If you have pets, allergy sufferers, or smokers in your home, change your filter more regularly for their health and safety.
3. Seal Drafts
If you didn’t do this before the cold season began, you could already be losing money. Ensure windows and doors have the proper weather stripping and caulk any cracks that have developed over time. Doing this will keep the warm air in your home and the cold air out, keeping you comfortable and saving you money.
4. Program The Thermostat
You may have a programmable thermostat set up in your home, but do you have it on the most efficient schedule? The lower the temperature is set on your thermostat, the less energy your furnace will use to heat your home. That means when you’re away, you should set the thermostat lower to save energy on heating an empty house. You can even set the temperature to be warmer again before you return home.
5. Sign Up For Regular Maintenance
Having your furnace serviced every year can prevent costly repairs from system breakdowns, and can improve the efficiency of your furnace. Our licensed technicians will perform a thorough inspection, change dirty filters, and repair worn out or damaged parts. At Bunns & Bennett, our maintenance plan members receive priority service, discounts on parts, and peace of mind knowing their system is always performing at optimal efficiency.
General Tips for Higher Efficiency
By doing everything mentioned above, you should be experiencing high efficiency from your HVAC system and saving some money on your monthly energy bills. However, for a few more ways to save some extra money, follow these tips as well:
- Let the sun warm your home during the day by opening curtains where there is direct sunlight.
- On mild days, turn off the heat, put your fuzzy socks and sweatpants on, and snuggle up with your favorite blanket.
- Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise in the winter, pushing the air up and dispersing heat evenly throughout the room.
- Use rugs on hard surfaces to hold heat and keep your feet off the cold floors.
- Monitor humidity levels and consider installing a humidifier or dehumidifier for your home with the advice of a professional from Bunns & Bennett.
Contact Us
Bunns & Bennett has served homeowners in the Tennessee Valley for more than 35 years. We specialize in making your home or office comfortable and can keep you comfortable throughout every season!
For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 256-536-0967! Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
