Introduction
When it comes to heating your house, it is critical that the appliances do so with minimum expenditure. Your money-and perhaps your comfort-could be put to better use while your energy bills are inflated due to the furnace’s inefficient operation and uneven heating. Also, an elderly unit wastes energy-it’ll tire out and die earlier.
How a Furnace Impacts Energy Efficiency
In short, an ill-maintained, poorly tuned, terribly old furnace will prove dwarfing match to the capacity heating load of your home-all will continue to waste that energy.
Understanding Efficiency Ratings
AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, rates furnaces based on how much of the fuel is turned into useable heat.
- High-efficiency furnaces have 90 percent or higher AFUE ratings, meaning only 10 percent of fuel is wasted.
- Older or inefficient models may have AFUE ratings as low as 55 to 70 percent, meaning a large portion of the energy is wasted.
Signs Your Furnace Is Wasting Energy
If your furnace is struggling, you might notice:
- Uneven heating – Some rooms feel warmer than others.
- Frequent cycling – The furnace turns on and off more than it should.
- High bills – Bills keep going higher without a major change in temperature.
- Frequent repairs – You’re calling up that HVAC technician a lot.
If you recognize these signs, it is time to improve your furnace’s efficiency or consider a replacement with Superior HVAC Service.
Ways to Improve Furnace Energy Efficiency
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Simple steps include:
- Change air filters every one to three months to allow airflow.
- Complete an annual furnace tune-up so that all components are in good working order.
- Cleaning ducts and vents will allow better air circulation and keep them from getting clogged.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps optimize heating by adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. Benefits include:
- Lowering the temperature when you’re in bed or away.
- Automatically adjust heating settings for no energy wastage.
- Being trained to know your habits for greater efficiency.
3. Seal Leaks and Improve Insulation
Leaks and poor insulation force your furnace to work harder. To fix this:
- Seal ductwork so heat doesn’t escape.
- Weatherproof doors and windows with weather stripping.
- Insulate attics and crawl spaces to hold heat in.
4. Use Your Furnace Wisely
Making small adjustments in how you use your furnace can lead to energy savings:
- Always keep vents unobstructed so warm air can circulate without hindrance.
- Lower the thermostat at least a couple of degrees during such times of the night and use blankets.
- Keep ceiling fans on reverse mode to keep the warm air moving down.
When to Upgrade Your Furnace
Even with maintenance, an old furnace may not be energy-efficient. Here is when to consider an upgrade:
- Your furnace age is somewhere 15-20 years for now. Models of new age are quite efficient.
- Frequent breakdowns have been costing you. Whether repair costs are getting high, it is better to go for a replacement.
- Your energy bills are going up. An energy-efficient furnace can save you as much as 30 percent.
Conclusion
There are several positive reasons for improving energy efficiency in the heating plant of an abode, including cutting costs, wasting less energy, and adding warmth to the home. Maintenance, smart usage, insulating additions, and possibly a new high-efficiency furnace would maximize savings.
