Many variables influence furnace performance during the winter, but none is more important than the simple fact that it’s cold outside. Outdoor conditions inevitably impact the indoor environment of a home, whether it’s a sweltering summer day or a freezing winter night.
The science of thermodynamics tells us that heat energy is always on the move from a hot zone into a colder zone. As outdoor temperatures plummet in the winter, heat generated by the furnace indoors is always trying to escape into the frigid outdoors. The potential effects on furnace performance may be hard to miss:
Indoor comfort control is diminished.
The furnace runs longer cycles to maintain the thermostat setting.
Monthly heating costs rise accordingly.
Wear and tear on heating components increases.
Here are some suggestions to get the upper hand on declining furnace performance during the winter:
Eliminate air leaks that allow heat loss to the outdoors and degrade furnace performance. Seal structural cracks and gaps with caulking or expanding insulating foam in a can. Replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Have a qualified HVAC contractor check the amount and quality of your attic insulation and verify that it meets current Department of Energy standards to prevent heat loss through the roof.
Schedule annual professional preventative maintenance on the furnace. This includes a checklist of manufacturer-recommended procedures that support optimum furnace performance. Annual professional maintenance is also typically required by a furnace's warranty terms.
Choose efficient, effective thermostat settings. A much higher thermostat setting in cold winter weather often means increased heat loss from the structure without a great benefit to indoor comfort. Strike a balance between a comfortable indoor environment and excessive heat loss by following Department of Energy temperature recommendations: When people are home, set the thermostat between 68 degrees and 72 degrees. At night or when the house is not occupied, lower the temperature range to 58 to 62 degrees.
For more advice about increasing furnace performance and cutting energy costs this winter, contact the heating professionals at Air Assurance.