subject: Five Heating Maintenance Checks [print this page] In order to keep your furnace in good working order and your home heat efficient, you can make a series of checks to make sure your heating system is working and keeping you and your wallet comfortable. Here are five energy saving checks to do around your home that may end up saving you money on lower fuel costs, especially during cold weather.
Fall Furnace Tune Up
One of the best and easiest ways to make your furnace run more efficiently is to check and change, if necessary, its air filter. A dirty air filter makes your furnace put in much more effort to provide the same amount of heat that it would if it had a clean air filter. Changing your filter regularly will also improve your indoor air quality and home comfort. You may be surprised at the energy savings in your following heat bill. Beyond that, our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) specialists are able to come to your home and provide a variety of furnace services.
Duct Cleaning
In order for your furnace to circulate hot air through your whole home, it is important to increase ventilation by keeping your air ducts clean and unobstructed. Over time dirt build up will cause your home's airflow to circulate dirt particles that reduce the air quality of your home, and build up will eventually inhibit the airflow and cause your furnace to run less efficiently. Our professionals are able to clear out any of this unwanted dirt and help your air stay fresh for winter. You may also want to check for any household items that have fallen into your vents and are blocking air flow. By checking for such items, you may increase ventilation in your home and find some lost treasures while you are at it.
Check for Window Leaks
Windows are often places where, if not properly sealed, the warm air from your furnace will leak outside, making it more difficult to efficiently heat your home. Feel around for any leaks where cold air is coming in. If you find some, there are plastic kits you can use to cover them up, easily increasing your energy savings.
Check Door Weather Striping
In the same way you check your windows for air leaks, doors are often another place where warm air can escape and cold air can invade your home. Check for leaks and replace or repair any damaged parts of your door's weather striping for some quick energy savings.
Check Thermostat Settings
In order to make sure your heating system is not being unnecessarily overworked, checking and updating your thermostat is a quick and cheap method of lowering your fuel costs. Set your temperature to the lowest setting without making you feel uncomfortably cold, and check to see if you can program it to lower the temperature during times when you are away. If you cannot program it, you can still change it manually. By adjusting the operation of your furnace to you and home's needs, you can lower fuel costs and increase energy savings that may ordinarily be wasted on an empty home.
