Were you aware that your furnace can lose efficiency as time goes on? While unavoidable wear and tear over the years will cause some impact on your furnace’s efficiency, the leading culprit when it comes to furnaces losing efficiency is lack of maintenance. Making sure you schedule ongoing maintenance is the greatest way you can keep your furnace operating as it should and possibly save some money on your utility costs.
At Patterson & Stirling Inc, we suggest annual furnace maintenance. At each visit, we will evaluate your furnace for any potential problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also ensure your furnace is clean and make any necessary adjustments. An important part of a clean furnace is a clean air filter. While we’ll always change your air 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 may need to change it more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and the indoor environment. As an example, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more often than someone who doesn’t. By assessing your filter every month, you’ll get a feel for how often to replace the filter. 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 has to work so much harder when you have a dirty air filter and that puts preventable wear and tear on its components.
Another item that could reduce 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 within your house. And even though your furnace will be running overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you expect to be. If you are concerned how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our team at Patterson & Stirling Inc.
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for about half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is important. At Patterson & Stirling Inc, we can help confirm your furnace is running at peak efficiency. Contact us to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 814-308-0416.