How Does Furnace Maintenance Impact the Energy Efficiency of Your Home?

January 12, 2018

Do you know that your furnace can lose efficiency over time? While unavoidable wear and tear over 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 number one way you can keep your furnace operating as it should and potentially save some money on your utility bills.

At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we suggest annual furnace maintenance. Each year, we will inspect your furnace for any probable problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also ensure your furnace is clean and make any necessary adjustments. An important part of a clean furnace is a clean air filter. While our experts will replace the 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. You may need to change it more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and the indoor environment. For example, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more frequently than someone who doesn’t. By assessing your filter every month, you’ll get a feel for how often to replace the filter. 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 lengthen the life expectancy of your furnace by keeping its filter clean. That’s because your furnace has to work so much harder when you have a dirty air filter and that puts unnecessary 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 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 AW Heating & Air Conditioning.

Your heating and cooling system is responsible for around half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is important. At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help confirm your furnace is working at peak efficiency. Give us a call to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 402-438-7992.