Furnaces are designed to last for many years. However, they are not immune to abuse, overuse, neglect, and other forms of wear. Nobody wants a furnace that is not in good working order during the cold winter months. When not used properly, even a tough piece of equipment such as a furnace can wear down too soon. Ultimately, it might even break down entirely. Even if it does not actually break, furnace efficiency will be reduced, thus causing an increase in home heating costs and HVAC repairs. It is worthwhile to know how to care for your furnace correctly to keep it working well.

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Are You Overworking Your Furnace?

You may be ignoring early symptoms of furnace problems without even realizing it. Unfortunately, many homeowners often unintentionally contribute to their own furnace problems. In this article, you will learn six things you might be doing that stresses and overworks your heating system.

When You Leave, Do You Turn Down Your Thermostat?

Many homeowners keep their thermostats set at a constant temperature, even when they leave their home unoccupied for long periods. This is unnecessary as it consumes energy and makes your furnace work harder than it needs to. There is no point in keeping your home at an optimal temperature when no one is home.

If you want to keep your home comfortable while also cutting energy costs and not overworking your furnace, a programmable thermostat can help. Simply set the thermostat to the proper temperatures for occupied and unoccupied periods. In lieu of a programmable thermostat, you can also just turn the thermostat down to the desired “away” temperature before leaving your home. Keep your thermostat reliably set to your desired “at home” temperature as well.

 

Are You Letting Cold Air In The House?

Having your doors and windows open even a little bit will let cold air in. You may notice this on cold days when you feel a chilly draft in the room. Make sure your windows and doors are closed and locked. It can be helpful to learn methods for locating air drafts. Holes, gaps and cracks around windows doors are the first place to look. If you find any, get them fixed immediately.

Do You Crank The Thermostat When You Are Cold?

Immediately cranking up the thermostat every time you feel cold is an unnecessary habit that is hard on your furnace. The first step is verifying whether or not your thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If it is, then you should resist the urge to set the thermostat higher. Doing so will not actually warm you up any faster. Also, cranking your thermostat will overwork your furnace.

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Are Your Vents Blocked By Furniture Or Other Objects?

Sometimes homeowners inadvertently block their air vents by allowing curtains, furniture pieces or other items to cover them. It can sometimes be tempting to do this when trying to position furniture, curtains or other items within the room. However, if the HVAC vents are blocked, airflow will be inhibited. Obstructed air vents will prevent the furnace from evenly distributing warm air. It is also a bad idea to position a bed over a vent, in the hopes of having toasty warm sheets. Your sheets might be warm, but warm air will not be flowing evenly throughout the room. The same holds true for those who close vents to unused rooms. This stresses the heating system and causes unnecessary wear and tear. Leave all of your air vents open for proper airflow instead.

 

Are You Guilty Of Skipping Annual Furnace Maintenance Check-Ups?

It is extremely important not to skip regular furnace maintenance checkups. By getting your furnace inspected regularly, potential small problems will be caught early. When these small problems are fixed promptly by an HVAC contractor, they do not end up causing even larger problems later. This keeps your furnace operating at peak efficiency, while also helping to reduce your energy costs.

It is also important to change your furnace filter according to the recommended schedule. Clogged filters result in your furnace working too hard. Every month, check your filter to ensure that it is clean and working as it should.

 

Did You Choose The Cheapest Replacement Furnace?

Every furnace eventually wears out and will need a replacement. As a furnace ages, it becomes less efficient. Eventually, it will succumb to the wear and tear of old age.

You will notice a big difference in home comfort, energy costs, and home air quality when switching to a new energy-efficient furnace. It might be tempting to try to save money by buying the cheapest replacement furnace you can find. However. it is important to remember that a furnace system is a long-term investment that will affect the comfort of your home for many years, and as such, is worth a higher cost.

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Three Signs That You Are Overworking Your Heating System

Are Your Home Heating Costs Increasing?

It is normal to see a spike in heating costs during cold winter months. However, an unusual cost spike could indicate furnace problems. There are various reasons this may happen. Checking your furnace air filters, and replacing them if needed, is an excellent first step. If everything looks good with the air filter, call an HVAC contractor to have your heating system inspected.

Does Your Home Suffer From Uneven Temperatures?

Cold and hot spaces throughout the home can be an indication that your furnace may not be working correctly. If your furnace is not able to maintain your ideal temperature evenly throughout the home, it may be overworked. A furnace expert can diagnose your system and offer resolutions.

Does Your Furnace Need Frequent Repairs?

An overworked furnace tends to break down frequently and wears out sooner than it should. Continually overworking a furnace will ultimately end in replacing the furnace prematurely.

For All Your Home Heating Needs, Call McAllister Energy

Home heating is, of course, a science, but it is also an art. The key to success is understanding how your heating system works, and what maintenance it requires to maintain its efficiency. Talk to an HVAC contractor today if you want to learn how to keep your HVAC system in good working order. An HVAC contractor will also help you determine if your furnace is ready for a replacement.

McAllister Energy is the area’s top expert for HVAC services. Our experienced, knowledgeable NATE certified technicians can diagnose and resolve any home comfort issues in a friendly, fast, and knowledgeable manner. We can be relied upon to provide you with the area’s most competitive prices. Our work is guaranteed, and your satisfaction is ensured. Be sure to call McAllister Energy today and schedule your free in-home estimate.

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