Do you know that your furnace can lose efficiency after a while? While inevitable 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. Taking the time to schedule regular maintenance is the number one way you can keep your furnace working as it should and likely save some money on your utility bills.
At Heartland Heating & Cooling, we recommend annual furnace maintenance. Each year, we will inspect your furnace for any probable problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also confirm your furnace is clean and make any necessary adjustments. One of the most important pieces of a clean furnace is a clean air filter. While we’ll always change 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 monthly. You may need to change it more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and the indoor environment. As an example, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more often than someone who doesn’t. By looking at your filter every month, you’ll begin to figure out how often you should change it. Air will run more freely through your indoor space when you have a clean filter. You’ll notice improved air quality in addition to an increase in furnace efficiency. You could also extend 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 preventable wear and tear on its components.
Another item 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 within your house. And even though your furnace will be operating overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you would expect. If you are wondering how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling.
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for approximately half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is critical. At Heartland Heating & Cooling, we can help make sure your furnace is operating at peak efficiency. Give us a call to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 515-344-3579.