6 Ways to Increase Furnace Efficiency

Furnace efficiency, helping your furnace last longer, and saving money all go hand in hand. Like any other machine or system, your furnace is subject to wear and tear, and the less you run it the longer it will last. If your furnace lasts longer, you won’t have to replace it as often.

1. Make Sure the Filter is Clean

The purpose of the furnace filter is to prevent dust and debris from clogging your furnace. When the filter has been in place for a while, your furnace has to work harder to pull air through the densely packed filter. How often you clean, whether or not you have pets, and recent renovations can all make a difference in how often the filter needs to be cleaned, so a good rule of thumb is to check the filter monthly for debris. If you can see hair and dust on the surface, then replace the filter or wash it if it’s reusable.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are one of the best ways of reducing your monthly bill, and they often pay for themselves in one year. They also reduce wear and tear on your furnace. A simple 5-day/2-day programmable thermostat is not expensive, and it will allow you to set up a schedule for weekdays and weekends that will lower the temperature when you’re away from home. You should also close the vents in unused spaces and turn the thermostat down when you plan on being away for more than one day.

3. Make Sure Vents are Open and Free of Debris

A furnace needs to be able to freely circulate air around your home to run efficiently. Make sure none of your vents are blocked by furniture or have trapped dust in the cover. Be careful when purchasing decorative vents; they might look great, but they can restrict as much as 50% of the air flow making your furnace work harder to heat your home.

4. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear

Most furnaces are kept in the basement, where we also love to store extra belongings. It’s important to keep a three to five-foot area around your furnace completely clear of stored items. This is not only a safety issue because there is burning gas in the furnace, but it helps the furnace run smoother as the air can circulate freely.

5. Utilize Curtains and Blinds

Strategically using your curtains can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill. Opening them in the day on south or west-facing windows allows warm sunlight to enter and heat the inside of your home, just like with a car left in a parking lot.

6. Get Regular Furnace Tune Ups

Furnace manufacturers strongly recommend that you have your furnace inspected and tuned up every year to ensure it is running at peak efficiency. One faulty part can place strain on the rest of the system and can lead to sudden breakdowns. A professional HVAC expert may also tell you whether or not your furnace needs to be cleaned to run more efficiently.

If you are located anywhere throughout the Denver Metro Area, we would be happy to help you make sure your furnace is running efficiently and give your furnace a tune-up. Contact CT Heating & Air today.