If you bought a new furnace this year, you may just now be cranking it up. And now, as the nights continue to grow colder you’ll really start putting that new furnace to the test.
There’s no doubt, that when the weather turns chilly, having a brand-new heating system that is operating smoothly and efficiently can significantly improve your household’s comfort.
Having said that, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when caring for your unit to make it isn’t wasting energy or in danger of breaking down.
1. Routine Maintenance
Maintaining the furnace regularly is one of the most important things a homeowner can do to keep it in good shape.
Experts recommend that you have your furnace tuned up at least once a year by a qualified technician. You can be sure that your new furnace is effectively heating your home and using little energy by making sure it receives this regular maintenance.
Many parts of your furnace are constantly working hard to keep your home warm. These parts will inevitably wear out over time, and even the smallest issue with one of them can cause significant disruption.
Regular furnace inspections will help you identify any potential issues early on and greatly reduce the likelihood of a complete breakdown. In the end, making regular maintenance investments can help you save a sizable sum of money over time.
2. Make the most of your curtains
Your furnace will last longer and be less likely to experience issues if it doesn’t need to perform any additional work. You can actually reduce the strain on your heating system and even save more money on energy costs when you consider when to open and close your curtains.
Your furnace won’t have to work as hard to provide heat if you leave your blinds open during the day and let sunlight into your house.
On the other hand, by drawing your blinds closed at night, you can lessen the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Every little bit can add up to a big difference when it comes to relieving your furnace of some of its workload.
3. Air filter cleaning
Your furnace’s air filter is crucial because it keeps the device from becoming clogged with excessive dust or debris.
Take out the air filter frequently and clean it to ensure that your new furnace runs as smoothly as possible. The frequency you’ll need to do this depends on a few things, like whether you have pets and how clean your home is, but in general, it should be done at least once a month.
A closer examination may reveal that the filter is simply too soiled or clogged for effective cleaning. In this situation, you should replace it to prevent undue strain on the furnace.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Many people are unaware of the significant impact a programmable thermostat can have on reducing their energy costs and maximizing the efficiency of their heating system. When you have a thermostat that allows you to manually set the temperature, you can take advantage of the times when you don’t need your furnace to produce as much heat.
For instance, because it will usually be warmer during the day than at night, you can lower the thermostat in the morning and afternoon and raise it again when necessary.
In addition, a lot of people discover that when they’re sleeping, they don’t need their homes to be as warm. You can potentially save up to 10% on your annual heating costs by lowering the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit when you go to bed.
5. Clean Out Your Vents
Cleaning out all of the vents that are dispersed throughout your home on a regular basis is a good idea, just like you would with the air filter on your furnace.
If your heating system’s vents accumulate dust and other debris, it may cause your furnace to work harder.
Take the extra few minutes to remove your vent covers with a screwdriver and thoroughly clean each one with a long vacuum extension to make sure you’re being thorough.
6.Clean the Area Around the Furnace
As you can probably guess, keeping your home clean can help you make the most of your new furnace. It’s important to keep the area immediately surrounding the furnace, the furnace itself, the air filter for the appliance, and the vents in your house clean.
Take off the access panels for the furnace and, if practical, use the vacuum extension once more to clean the interior. When dirt or dust builds up inside the furnace’s chambers, it can be more difficult for the furnace to operate smoothly and effectively.
In terms of the immediate area surrounding the furnace, it’s a good idea to make sure there isn’t too much clutter there. This not only helps reduce the possibility of fires, but it also makes it possible for the furnace to circulate air more freely.
7. Put Money Toward a Humidifier
Finally, keep in mind that it can be beneficial to your furnace as well as to your health to increase the humidity in your home.
Since there is less humidity, the air can feel much colder than it actually is. As you are aware, the air feels much colder during the winter. A humidifier can help in that situation.
Your home will feel warmer without as much reliance on your furnace thanks to the addition of moisture, which actually facilitates the transfer of heat around the room.
Every time you can give your furnace a break, it runs more effectively and reduces the likelihood of issues and breakdowns.
You probably paid a substantial sum for your new furnace, so why wouldn’t you want to maximize your investment? You can achieve the best results over the short and long terms by making an effort to practice proper and consistent furnace care.
Top Ways to Increase Energy Efficiency in Older Homes
10 Things Every Homeowner Should Know That Effect Efficiency
