How to Increase the Efficiency of Your Furnace

It’s rare for a furnace to last a homeowner for several decades, especially without needing significant repair. However, there is much that you can do to help to increase the efficiency of your furnace, and even extend its service life.

Lower the Temperature

One of the easiest ways to increase your furnace’s efficiency is simply to lower the thermostat by eight to 10 degrees when you are not at home, or when the family is sleeping. Your furnace might not last as long if it is always working hard to heat your home, but by turning down the thermostat, your furnace will run more efficiently when you really need it. You can also save up to 15 percent on your heating bills each year when you use the thermostat in this way.

Seal the Ducts

Most HVAC systems rely on extensive ductwork to move air through the home, and the average ductwork contributes to 20 to 30 percent of energy loss because of leaks as air passes through the ductwork. While a furnace at the end of its lifespan can cause constantly rising energy bills despite unchanging energy needs, leaky ductwork can also contribute to increased energy loss over time.

To keep your furnace efficient and prevent it from working overtime to warm your home, call in a professional to take a closer look at your ducts. By updating the joint seals and improving the insulation on any exposed ductwork, you can make big strides towards better efficiency.

Get a Regular Tune-up

If your furnace seems to be running smoothly, it is easy to let a few maintenance appointments slide. This can quickly add up, though, since a typical furnace needs annual maintenance. To get the best performance from your furnace for its entire 20- to 30-year lifespan, be sure to schedule a professional to check fluids, change the air filter, and perform regular preventative maintenance. Keep in mind that furnaces over 10 or 15 years old that exhibit serious operational issues might be ready for replacement.

Schedule an appointment to ensure your furnace is functioning efficiently. Contact Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning today at 703-783-0145. Our heating pros will provide just the service you need for comfort and savings for your Woodbridge home this season.

Image provided by Shutterstock