Winter can mean high heating bills here in Northeastern Oklahoma. Purchasing an efficient furnace is a great decision, and can result in a lot of energy and money savings over the lifetime of the system. You may find, however, that the efficient furnace isn't enough- it needs an efficient household to operate at peak efficiency. If your efficient furnace isn't at its best, there are a few things you can do to reduce your energy use and give your furnace a boost. These tips can also help to improve the performance of an older, less efficient furnace if you aren't quite ready to replace it.
The first step in boosting your furnace's heating power is making sure to schedule routine maintenance. Even if there doesn't seem to be a problem, have a professional give your furnace a check-up every year. This habit is fairly low-cost, and will catch small problems before they become major issues. You should also be sure to change your furnace's air filter routinely. It's recommended that you change it every three months, but you can replace it monthly if anyone in your home has air quality concerns. Blocked filters can overwork your heater and waste energy.
Once you've done the maintenance on your furnace, it's time to to make sure the house itself is well-sealed. Check around the house for leaks, or hire a professional to do an energy evaluation. Seal any gaps that you find around windows and doors, and fill in any gaps in insulation. It's also important to check your ductwork, as duct leaks are often a major culprit in home heat loss.
To save even more on energy costs, change your heating habits. Turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees, or install a programmable thermostat, which will heat the house based on your schedule and preferences, even when no one is home. Be careful not to change your thermostat settings too often. Frequent temperature adjustments can put undue strain on your furnace.
Contact Air Assurance for more expert advice on using your efficient furnace and increasing household efficiency in Broken Arrow.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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