Having a reliable furnace is essential to keeping your family safe and warm during the winter months. If you carve out time for maintenance, the equipment is much more likely to last longer and avoid sudden breakdowns. Furnaces that receive maintenance also run more efficiently, which can be a huge advantage for your money heating costs. Learn these 3 must-know tips that make a big difference in keeping your home toasty and energy-efficient all winter.
Swap Out the Air Filter Every 30 to 90 Days
A lot of people don’t realize that just like the air conditioner, the furnace has an air filter that must be replaced. If it becomes clogged with dirt, pollen, and pet hair, it restricts airflow throughout the heating system. Clogged filters put immense strain on the blower motor and other internal components.
The filter no longer has the capability to trap airborne contaminants when full of debris. Clogged filters harm the air quality in the home rather than helping it. The type of filter being used determines how often to change it, but here’s a basic guideline you can follow:
- 1-inch filters: Replace every 30 to 90 days
- 2-inch filters: Replace every 60 to 120 days
- 4-inch filters: Replace every 6 to 12 months
- Homes with pets: Check filters monthly and replace them more frequently if needed
- Households with allergy sufferers: Consider replacing filters every 30 days for better indoor air quality
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
One of the best maintenance tips for a furnace has nothing to do with the furnace. The thermostat is connected to your furnace. When you upgrade to a smart thermostat, you’re giving the whole heating system a performance boost. A smart thermostat does this through features like automated scheduling and geofencing. You can use its energy reports to see where you need to make adjustments to lower your monthly heating costs.
Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Windows and doors can have gaps in the weatherstripping or cracks around the frames. Those imperfections expose openings that become pathways for warm air to escape and cold outdoor air to seep inside. This ends up making the furnace run longer cycles to compensate for heat loss. This results in more wear and tear on the furnace and higher heating bills. The best way to seal these gaps is to use caulk or to replace the damaged weatherstripping.
You should always schedule annual furnace maintenance with a reputable company to keep your system performing well. Maintenance can find and fix hidden issues, ensuring your home stays warm and energy-efficient all winter. If you live in Wilmington, NC or a surrounding area and need furnace repair services, make your first call to NC Quality Air.
