Like most household equipment, your furnace can deteriorate and lose its efficiency as it ages. Fortunately, there are things you can do to optimize your system’s performance. Here are six ways to improve the efficiency and extend the lifespan of your furnace in Austin, TX:
Address Airflow Blockages
Airflow is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your furnace. One of the simple tasks you can perform is to change filters regularly. We recommend changing or replacing filters at least once a month.
Another culprit for airflow blockages is faulty or leaky ductwork. Clogging can prevent your furnace from heating the room sufficiently. As a result, your equipment will have to work overtime to keep up with your home’s heating demands.
The Department of Energy reports that homeowners lose hundreds of dollars a year in utility bills from leaky ductwork. The government agency recommends routine air duct sealing and cleaning to uphold the efficiency of your system. Invest in our ductwork services to save up to 30% on your heating bills.
Address Air leaks and Energy Losses
You can reduce the workload of your system by addressing energy losses through the attic, windows and doors. Other places with energy-wasting gaps may include the foundation and entry points for wiring and piping.
It’s advisable to seal gaps and upgrade insulation as soon as you spot efficiency problems. If your furnace continues to run with energy losses on parts of the building, it’ll incur high utility bills. Additionally, taking prompt action prevents premature system failure.
Set the Thermostat to Auto
The thermostat controls the blower in your heating system and signals the fan to start or stop. The device will have two settings: AUTO and ON.
ON means the fan will run without stopping. AUTO will signal the system to start only when it needs to heat your home. The ON settings can facilitate the filtration of allergens and pollutants since more air goes through the filter.
However, not all systems can run on the ON mode. Therefore, setting your thermostat to AUTO can minimize the deterioration of components.
Seek Timely Repairs When You Detect a Fault
Your furnace is a sophisticated system with many components that can break down. When you spot issues, it’s always advisable to seek timely repairs.
A faulty furnace can damage other critical components of your system. For example, loose wires can get lodged into parts of your system, causing them to break down faster. Improper connections can also cause fires and pose a hazard for your home.
Whether you have noisy ductwork or a clogged condensate line, you shouldn’t place your system at risk by ignoring repairs. You can talk to our NATE-certified service technicians for 24-hour emergency air conditioning and heating repair services in Austin.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Another cost-effective way to save energy is to use a programmable thermostat. If you use it correctly, you can expect to cut up to 10% of your home’s energy consumption.
With a programmable thermostat, you can use several profiles for different parts of the day. In the morning, the device will turn up the heat when you wake up. It can lower temperatures when your step out of the house and raise it when you return at the end of the day.
A programmable thermostat offers convenience and precise temperature regulation. You can cut down your utility bills and extend the life of your equipment.
Don’t Skip Annual Maintenance
The best way to avoid furnace defects in the middle of winter is to schedule a tuneup, preferably in the fall. Scheduling maintenance before the cold season ensures your system is ready for winter.
Maintenance professionals can spot developing faults before they become too expensive to repair. As such, you can minimize the running costs of your furnace and ensure it is efficient throughout the season.
There are practical steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption and extend the life of your equipment. Contact Wood Comfort Systems for quality heating services in Austin.
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