Were you aware that your furnace can lose efficiency as time goes on? While unavoidable wear and tear throughout the years will cause some impact on your furnace’s efficiency, the most popular culprit when it comes to furnaces losing efficiency is lack of maintenance. Making sure you schedule ongoing maintenance is the best way you can keep your furnace running as it should and likely save some money on your utility costs.
At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, we suggest annual furnace maintenance. Each year, we will assess your furnace for any potential problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also ensure your furnace is clean and make any necessary adjustments. One of the most important pieces of a clean furnace is a clean air filter. Even though we replace your air filter during furnace maintenance, you can help keep your furnace efficient by keeping an eye on it all year long.
ENERGY STAR® recommends changing your air filter on a monthly basis. Your filter may need to be replaced more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and your home’s environment. For example, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more regularly than someone who doesn’t. By looking at your filter every month, you’ll get a feel for how often to replace the filter. Air will move more freely through your home when you have a clean filter. You’ll notice improved air quality in addition to an increase in furnace efficiency. You could also improve the life expectancy of your furnace by keeping its filter clean. That’s because your furnace needs to run so much harder when you have a dirty air filter and that puts avoidable wear and tear on its components.
Another thing that could reduce your furnace’s efficiency is leaking ductwork. If your ducts have any leaks, holes or poor connections, it’ll be harder for your system to efficiently deliver air throughout your home. And even though your furnace will be running overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you want. If you are questioning how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our team at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating.
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for about half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is critical. At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, we can help confirm your furnace is working at peak efficiency. Give us a call to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 641-628-3621.