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

January 12, 2018

Did you realize that your furnace can lose efficiency after a while? While unescapable wear and tear over the years will have some effect on your furnace’s efficiency, the most popular 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 working as it should and possibly save some money on your utility costs.

At Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, Inc, we recommend annual furnace maintenance. At all of our visits, we will assess 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. While we’ll always change 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 on a monthly basis. You may need to change it more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and what your indoor environment is like. As an example, 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 run 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 improve the life expectancy of your furnace by keeping its filter clean. That’s because your furnace needs to run so much harder when you have a dirty air filter and that puts avoidable wear and tear on its components.

Another thing 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 throughout your home. And even though your furnace will be working overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you would expect. If you are concerned how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our team at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, Inc.

Your heating and cooling system is responsible for approximately half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is critical. At Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, Inc, we can help ensure your furnace is working at peak efficiency. Call us today to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 740-474-5940.