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A furnace is an essential appliance in any household, especially during the cold winter months. However, keeping it running efficiently can be challenging, especially when managing energy costs. The efficiency of your furnace can influence the amount of energy it uses and ultimately determines how much you pay on utility bills.
As such, you must understand the factors affecting furnace efficiency and learn how to maintain optimal performance. This article highlights these key factors, as well as provides tips for keeping your furnace running optimally.
A furnace over 15 years old is likely less efficient than more recent models. This is because older furnaces use outdated technology and are not designed to meet current energy efficiency standards. In contrast, newer models incorporate advanced technology, like variable speed motors and electronic ignition systems, significantly improving efficiency.
Pro Tip: Consider upgrading to a newer furnace model if your existing one is more than 15 years old. Newer models may be costly at first, but are engineered to be more efficient and save you money on utility bills in the coming years.
The kind of fuel your furnace uses can influence its overall efficiency. Furnaces may run on propane, natural gas, or electricity. Natural gas is the most commonly-used fuel in furnaces in Canada. It is cost-effective and efficient, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Propane is also an option but is more expensive than natural gas. Electric furnaces are the least efficient and the most costly to operate.
Pro Tip: If you’re searching for a new furnace, consider choosing a natural gas furnace for optimal efficiency.
Your furnace has air filters that help maintain the air quality in your home. It traps dust, dirt, and other debris, which can clog your furnace and reduce efficiency. A dirty air filter may cause the furnace to work harder than usual to circulate warm air throughout your home by using more energy and shortening its lifespan.
Pro Tip: Change your air filter regularly, ideally every three months. If you currently reside in a dusty environment or have pets and animals at home, you might need to replace them more frequently.
The ductwork in your home distributes warm air from your furnace throughout your living spaces. If your ducts are damaged or poorly designed, they can significantly reduce your furnace’s efficiency. Leaky ducts can allow warm air to escape, while improperly sized ducts can restrict airflow, making it harder for your furnace to circulate warm air around the house.
Pro Tip: Have your ductwork inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it works efficiently. Consider upgrading your insulation or sealing any leaks to improve efficiency.
Thermostats control the temperature in your home and play a significant role in your furnace’s efficiency. If you set the thermostat too high, you can make it work harder, using more energy and increasing utility bills. On the other hand, your home will feel uncomfortable, especially during the winter, when you set the thermostat too low.
Pro Tip: Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, ideally between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that lets you set different temperatures throughout the day based on your schedule.
Taking care of your furnace is necessary to ensure it runs efficiently and lasts longer. By considering the factors affecting the furnace’s efficiency and the tips mentioned above, you can save on electric bills, improve indoor air quality, and keep your home warm during the winter. Bear in mind that regular maintenance is vital to keeping your furnace running smoothly, so book a professional inspection and cleaning at least once a year.
Maintain the performance of your furnace by hiring Bromac. We provide boiler repairs and furnace maintenance services to ensure that your home’s heating system is working correctly. Our staff can diagnose and fix any issues with your furnace quickly and efficiently.
Call 604-360-2710 or email us at bromacmechanical@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
Bromac Mechanical is located in Abbotsford, BC and services both the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Surrey and Maple Ridge
Bromac is always ready to offer plumbing and heating solutions and are willing to go above and beyond to serve our customers.
