It’s getting chilly out there. Luckily, you’ve got a working heating system to keep you and your family warm. It’s important, however, that you make sure your furnace is operating as efficiently as possible. The more you use your furnace, the more strain you put on it, and you’re going to need your home heated for at least a few more months. Professionals who install and repair residential HVAC systems in Alpharetta have a whole bag of tricks they recommend for keeping your furnace in tip-top shape. Here are a few big ones to keep in mind.
1. Keep the Filter Clean
The filter is there to keep dust and dirt from getting into your HVAC, where it can then circulate around the house. One of the primary purposes of the HVAC, after all, is to keep the air you breathe as healthy as possible. Naturally, the longer it works, the more stuff is going to stick to the filter. This restricts the air coming into the furnace, making it work harder, and driving up electricity costs. Generally, you’ll want to check on the filter on a monthly basis. If you have pets, or a large family, you may need to clean it more often than if you live alone.
While you’re at it, check for any debris blocking your registers. Look out for dust, and keep some distance between the registers and your furniture. Also, make sure there’s plenty of space around your furnace. Furnaces are usually in places where people like to store old golf clubs, or boxes of Christmas lights, so always maintain an area between 3 and 5 feet from your furnace that remains clear.
2. Mind Your Thermostat
If your furnace is working properly, you might not think twice about keeping it going full blast all the time. Well, don’t do it. Find a comfortable indoor temperature, than drop it down another degree or two. Keep doing this gradually until you reach the point where you’re no long comfortable. This reduces strain on your HVAC, and you’ll be more comfortable than you would have imagined back when you kept the furnace cranked up to 75°. Even better, invest in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. You can set it to drop a few degrees at bedtime, then set it to warm up a little just before you wake up in the morning. They’re not expensive and can save you tremendous amounts of money on heating bills.
3. Insulation
You likely know of the importance of having good insulation in your attic, but there are several things you can do to improve insulation within your living quarters. Curtains, for instance, should be closed at night to trap warm air. Using carpeting and area rugs helps trap heat while preventing cold drafts. Also, make sure your garage door is sealed. More heat is lost through garage doors than people think. Keep it closed until it touches the ground, and feel for any drafts entering through the side and top.
Following these simple guidelines is the best way to ensure your furnace will last as long as possible, and you can put off HVAC replacement in Alpharetta for years to come. For more information, call Triad Mechanical Service Specialist LLC today!
