Are You Making Your Furnace Work Harder Than It Should?

Are you making your furnace work harder than it should?

It’s not something most of us think much about. You turn it on when the temperatures dip, expecting it to work. But what happens when you notice something’s not quite right? Maybe it clinks or squeals, making noises you’ve never heard before. Or maybe it runs and runs, and you’re still not comfortable. What can be wrong?

For most here across the Front Range, gas forced heating blows heat through the ductwork. Here are several things you’re doing that makes your furnace work harder than it should, costing you extra money in the long run.

Not having a programmable thermostat

There’s no reason to heat an empty house, especially when you’re gone hours at a time. A programmable thermostat can let you program the times to heat the home when you’re up and moving about your home, and keep it lower when you’re away at school or work. Smart technology can give you an added boost of being able to control temperatures from anywhere at the touch of a button.

Having a drafty house

If your home isn’t properly insulated, it’s making your heating system work harder than it has to. Consider adding insulation to the attic and walls, and installing new, more energy-efficient windows and doors to keep heated and cooled air where it’s supposed to be.

Blocking vents

Vents aren’t always in the best locations, especially in older homes. Don’t ignore them and place furniture or drapes in front of them and expect your home to maintain a good temperature. Also, be aware that shutting down vents and closing off doors to rooms you don’t use won’t help either. Your system is designed to be most effective when the entire system is utilized correctly. This just makes it work harder than its designed.

Not changing filters

When in doubt, change out your filter. It’s easy to forget about this easy maintenance task. A dirty air filter means dirt and grime are blowing into your furnace and allowing the system to operate less efficiently than possible. This is one of the easiest ways to keep it running at its best.

If you have any questions about your furnace and how well it operates, give us a call. Keeping it working at its best ensures you’re comfortable no matter what the temperatures are like outside.