How to Reduce Strain on your Furnace this Winter
Winter brings many delightful things such as snowy picturesque wonderlands, cozy fires, delicious soups, and warm sweaters. Unfortunately, this season also brings harsh drops in temperature. There’s nothing more people want than to relax in a warm home at the end of a long day. However, heating a house in low degree weather can be strenuous on their HVAC system, and the last thing homeowners want during these cold months is an issue with their heating system. As a homeowner, there are many ways you can help reduce the amount of energy your system uses and increase the longevity of its life. Here are a few easy tips on how to minimize strain on your furnace this winter.
- Limit Exterior Openings
One simple way to reduce the amount of energy your HVAC system uses to heat your home is to limit where cold air can enter your house. Having cracked windows or constantly opening exterior doors can increase the cold air coming into your home. Make sure all of your windows and doors are tightly shut; if you still feel a draft, consider weather-stripping your doors and windows. - Don’t Heat Up an Empty House
When you get off of work at the end of the day, you want to come home to a warm house, therefore it can be tempting to leave your heating system set at your desired temperature all day. However, doing this will not only skyrocket your monthly bill, but will also increase the energy your HVAC system is using. It’s crucial to give your system a break when you’re not home. If you’re taking a vacation or even just going to work for the day, try setting your thermostat to 58 degrees. This will allow your system to get a break, while also preventing your pipes from freezing and bursting. This rings true for most, but not all systems. If you are unsure, feel free to call us and speak with a service professional who can give you the best tips for your specific system. - Check and Change Your Filter
If you have a forced-air system, regularly changing your air filter is an essential part of routine maintenance. The purpose of the filter is to prevent dust and other allergens from entering your furnace. Once that filter has been in place for a while, it gets clogged with debris, making it harder for the system to pull air through the filter. Check your filter. If it looks dirty and clogged, it’s time to change it. - Don’t Block Vents with Furniture
Another helpful way to reduce the strain on your furnace is to make sure no furniture is blocking your vents. While many people put a lot of time and effort into the way their home looks, you may need to sacrifice the Feng Shui of your living room or bedroom to allow the furnace to consistently distribute heat in your home. Say no to blocking the flow (of heat)! - Schedule Regular Maintenance with a Professional
Lastly, another helpful way to increase the longevity of your HVAC system is to have an annual maintenance check. Many homeowners don’t think about their HVAC system until it becomes a problem. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Getting yearly maintenance on your system ensures that everything is working efficiently and allows you to get ahead of any issues.
These are just a few of the ways you can minimize strain on your furnace and lengthen the life of your HVAC system. If you notice an issue with your furnace or would like to schedule an annual maintenance check, give our team a call, we are happy to help!
