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 unavoidable wear and tear during 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 operating as it should and likely save some money on your utility bills.

At Western Mechanical, Inc., we suggest annual furnace maintenance. At all of our visits, we will evaluate your furnace for any potential problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also confirm your furnace is clean and make any necessary adjustments. One of the most important pieces of a clean furnace is a clean air filter. While our experts will replace the 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 might want to exchange your filter more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and your home’s environment. For instance, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more frequently than someone who doesn’t. By assessing your filter every month, you’ll start to see how often it should be replaced. Air will move more freely through your house when you have a clean filter. You’ll see 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 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 decrease 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 running overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you would expect. If you are concerned how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc..

Your heating and cooling system is responsible for about half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is important. At Western Mechanical, Inc., we can help ensure your furnace is working at peak efficiency. Contact us to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 435-753-5515.