Did you realize that your furnace can lose efficiency after a while? While inevitable wear and tear during the years will have some effect on your furnace’s efficiency, the leading 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 possibly save some money on your utility costs.
At Street Heating and Cooling, we suggest annual furnace maintenance. At each visit, we will inspect your furnace for any potential problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also make sure 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 monthly. Your filter may need to be replaced more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and the indoor environment. For instance, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more frequently than someone who doesn’t. By checking your filter every month, you’ll start to see how often it should be replaced. Air will flow more freely through your indoor space when you have a clean filter. You’ll benefit from 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 works so much harder when you have a dirty air filter and that puts preventable wear and tear on its components.
Another item that could decrease 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 through your indoor space. And even though your furnace will be running overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you want. If you are wondering how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our experts at Street Heating and Cooling.
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for approximately half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is important. At Street Heating and Cooling, we can help confirm your furnace is running at peak efficiency. Contact us to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 605-206-3915.