As the weather changes and the chill sets in, your dependable furnace system turns into one of the most valuable home appliances you can have, as it works tirelessly to keep you warm and comfortable. So, how can you make your home's furnace more efficient?
In this post, Home Aire Care takes the reins to walk you through a set of simple and practical methods to ensure that your furnace not only heats your space but also does so efficiently. So, if you want to learn more about improving furnace efficiency, you've come to the right place.
Continue reading to learn how to make your home's heating system work better to create a cozy interior environment this winter!
Furnace Efficiency
When your home’s furnace system isn’t operating at its peak performance, you could be missing out on a world of benefits that you might not even know of! Let’s take a closer look at the advantages associated with furnace efficiency below:
- Lowered Energy Usage: When your heating system is running effectively, it uses less energy in order to produce the same amount of heat. You will save money on the cost of your monthly energy bills as a result of this.
- Ecological Effects: Utilizing a smaller amount of energy to heat the inside of your home contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering your greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improved Indoor Comfort: A well-kept furnace delivers consistent heating throughout the winter, reducing fluctuations in temperature and cold spots that can impact your indoor comfort.
- Lifespan of Equipment: When your furnace operates effectively, it sustains a lesser amount of damage, which can increase its lifespan. This can help you prevent costly furnace repairs and the need for a new unit more frequently.
- Healthier Air Quality: High-efficiency furnaces improve indoor air quality by removing dust, dirt, contaminants, and pollutants, helping to create a more pleasant environment to live in.
Furnace Experts Available 24/7/365
Do you want to experience these benefits? Book a maintenance appointment with Home Aire Care today!
Home Aire Care is pleased to provide services to homeowners throughout the Kingston community and surrounding areas! With over 40 years of experience, homeowners can rest assured knowing their HVAC system is in good hands! With our help, you can get back to enjoying the comfort of your home in no time!
Our certified HVAC technicians are available for all repairs and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year! That includes after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra cost to you!
What Is Furnace Efficiency?
Simply put, furnace efficiency is defined as the rate at which a furnace converts the energy it consumes into heat for the interior of your home. It typically is represented as a percentage and shows the quantity of the power, fuel, or other source of energy that is actually used for heating rather than being wasted.
How Is Furnace Efficiency Measured?
The most frequently used metric used to evaluate furnace efficiency is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. AFUE is the percentage of a fuel's energy that can be transformed into valuable heat. For example, an AFUE rating of 75% indicates that 75% of the energy that is produced by the fuel is turned into heat, while 25% is wasted.
Modern, high-efficiency furnaces typically have AFUE ratings of 90% or higher, whereas older, less efficient models may have ratings as low as 70% or lower. So, when selecting a furnace, choose one with a higher AFUE rating to achieve more significant energy savings!
Should I Change My Filters to Improve Furnace Efficiency?
Yes, cleaning or replacing the air filter in your furnace on an ongoing basis is a simple yet effective way to increase the overall efficiency of your home. Let's take a closer look as to why this is:
- Greater Air Circulation: Over time, furnace filters become clogged with dust, debris, and pollutants. As soon as the filtration system is blocked, the airflow into the furnace is limited. Because of the decreased flow of air, your furnace must work harder to evenly distribute heat throughout your home. By changing the dirty filter, you enable the air to travel freely, which reduces system strain.
- Diminished Energy Usage: A clean filter enables your furnace to operate better and use less energy. When your furnace operates more efficiently, it utilizes less energy to produce the same amount of heat. This can lead to cheaper energy bills and consumption.
- Enhanced Interior Air Quality: Clean filters contribute to better indoor air quality. They trap and eliminate particles like allergens, pollen, dust, and pet dander, which contributes to ensuring your home's air is healthier for you and your loved ones.
Aside from changing your furnace air filter every 3 months, homeowners should schedule a routine maintenance appointment with a licensed HVAC technician a minimum of once a year in order to prevent damage to the system.
Should I Service My Ductwork for Major Furnace Efficiency?
Cleaning your ductwork is an essential step toward increasing furnace efficiency by enhancing air circulation and decreasing the wear and tear on your heating system. However, there are also several other ways to improve efficiency:
- Routine Upkeep: Annual professional maintenance, which includes a series of different tasks and checks, ensures efficient furnace performance.
- Filter Replacement: Replace furnace air filters every 3 months to prevent air circulation limitations and stress on your unit.
- · Duct Sealing: Check for and seal any leaks in the ductwork in order to prevent the hot air from escaping.
- Professional Duct Cleaning: Having your air ducts cleaned by a technician every 2 to 3 years improves the quality of your home's air and ensures that your furnace operates without interruption.
Call our certified HVAC team to schedule your maintenance appointment over the phone, or use our secure web-based reservation system! All repairs and maintenance services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! That includes after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no additional charge!
