Do you know that your furnace can lose efficiency over time? While inevitable wear and tear throughout the years will impact 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 greatest way you can keep your furnace operating as it should and potentially save some money on your utility bills.
At Three Rivers Heating & Cooling, we advise annual furnace maintenance. Each year, we will evaluate your furnace for any likely 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. Even though we replace your air filter during furnace maintenance, you can help keep your furnace efficient by checking and replacing it throughout the year.
ENERGY STAR® recommends changing your air filter on a monthly basis. Your filter may need to be replaced more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and what your indoor environment is like. For instance, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more regularly than someone who doesn’t. By looking at your filter every month, you’ll start to see how often it should be replaced. Air will run more freely through your home 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 factor 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 working overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you would expect. If you are questioning how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our experts at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling.
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for about half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is a big deal. At Three Rivers Heating & Cooling, we can help ensure your furnace is operating at peak efficiency. Give us a call to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 503-213-4433.