Our harsh Canadian winter is in full swing. It’s easy to see how it makes its presence known when we’re walking down the street, or when we’re driving in our cars, but oftentimes, we don’t consider how it affects us when we’re in the comfort of our homes. Our homes shelter us, but there is one important piece of equipment that provides us with warmth—a furnace. Here are 5 Tips on How to Optimize Work of Your Furnace (And Save on Utility Bills Up to 37%).
Your furnace is your most important line of defense against this frigid season. It is a single unit that provides heat to your entire home. It transfers heat to air through the use of a heat exchanger. Blower fans then distribute the heated air throughout your home by way of your duct system. In most homes, furnaces and air conditioners share ducts, allowing for more efficient use of space. If you live in the state of Pennsylvania, we recommend that you compare the best electricity providers in PA to find a better, more affordable energy plan.
Furnaces are an essential component of many homes. However, if they are not maintained properly, parts can become faulty and can lead to a complete breakdown. According to SmileHVAC.ca, a poorly maintained furnace can result in poor air circulation, making it inefficient. This can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, which will inevitably lead to unnecessary increases in your heating bills.
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- Replace Your Furnace Filters
Your furnace filter prevents allergens like dust, pet hair, and dirt from floating in the air. However, when your furnace filter gets clogged, it causes your furnace to expend more energy to produce the same amount of heat. The result of this inefficiency is likely an unwelcome increase in your heating bills. In many cases, it is customary to replace your furnace filter every three months. However, for homes with individuals who have allergies or respiratory illnesses, or houses that contain pets, it is usually best to change filters more often.
- Clear Your Condensate Drain
When your furnace heats the air, it causes condensation. If this condensation is not drained, it builds up inside your furnace and prevents your system from flowing properly, making your furnace less efficient. This can also corrode metal parts, resulting in expensive damages. It is important to make sure that your condensate drain is clear to prevent these occurrences.
- Schedule Regular Tune-Ups
Call a professional to inspect your furnace at least once a year to determine if it needs a tune-up. With professional inspections, an HVAC technician can ensure that all parts of your furnace are performing as they should. A faulty part can affect other components of your furnace, resulting in a more expensive tune-up, or an entire system breakdown. An additional benefit of professional furnace maintenance is a longer-lasting furnace. The extended life of your furnace enables you to save money by replacing your furnace less often.
- Keep an Eye on Humidity Levels
When there is moisture in the air, warmer temperatures accompany it. This is because hot air holds more water vapour than cold air. The amount of water vapour that is in the air is known as humidity.
With winter comes a lack of humidity in the air. One of the best ways to increase the humidity in your home is to install a whole-home humidifier. This piece of equipment can help you to manage the moisture in your home’s air. Further, as more moisture means hotter air, you can reduce the heat of your furnace, as well as the energy it uses, putting less strain on it.
- Clean Your Furnace’s Flame Sensor
Have you ever had your furnace start up, and then shut down after it starts running? Does this happen a few times before your system completely gives out? This annoying issue is likely the result of a clogged flame sensor. Your furnace’s flame sensor is responsible for telling the system that a flame is present and that the unit is not consistently producing an accumulation of dangerous unburned gas.
A clogged flame sensor is a very common issue. Some handy individuals may opt to look into this issue themselves, however, it is best to call a professional HVAC technician to properly assess the condition and effectiveness of your flame sensor. These trained individuals can help to ensure that your system is safe for your family, and put an end to an issue that causes your home to have no heat.
Conclusion
Your furnace is an important component of your home. It is responsible for keeping you and your family warm throughout the winter. If it is not maintained properly, your family may be faced with health and safety issues. Further, avoiding regular tune-ups can cause your furnace to run inefficiently, creating an increase in your heating bills every month that it is in use. If your furnace is not maintained for a long period of time, it may experience a breakdown, causing you to pay for a complete replacement.
