A fully functioning furnace makes all the difference during the chilly winter months in Houma, LA. The key to maximizing its efficiency and ensuring its longevity is maintaining its efficiency.
As Houma’s top experts in furnace repairs, we at Doug’s Service Company have helped countless residents with repairing and ensuring their heating systems work efficiently and effectively. Below, we will define what furnace efficiency means and outline a few steps you can take today to increase the efficiency of your furnace.
What Does Furnace Efficiency Mean?
An efficient furnace uses the least amount of energy to provide the most optimal levels of heat for the home. Efficiency is measured by a ratio of the amount of heat the furnace puts out and the amount of energy it requires to do so, most commonly known as the Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the heater will be, resulting in lower energy bills, fewer furnace repairs, and a longer lifespan.
Even if you do have a reasonably efficient furnace, there are always things you can do to ensure that those efficiency levels remain in your heater for as long as possible. If you follow our tips below, you will reap the benefits of a furnace for many years to come.
1. Install Smart Thermostat
According to Energy Star, one of the first things you can do to maintain furnace efficiency is to invest in a smart thermostat. This type of thermostat is excellent because it is programmable and will operate the heater only in the currently used rooms. It will also run only when the temperatures get below a certain point and stop working when the home is warm enough. We love smart thermostats for efficiency because they do not let the furnace run if nobody is home. This approach to heating the home will maintain efficiency and decrease the number of furnace repairs required throughout its lifespan.
2. Change Air Filters Regularly
Clean air filters will also significantly affect how efficiently your HVAC system will operate. As your air conditioning and heating units operate, they push air through the air ducts that are absorbed from the outside. This air will travel through filters to be cleaned before being released into the home. As a result, the air filters become full of dust and debris. The clogged air filters will decrease airflow and efficiency if they are not cleaned regularly. Eventually, the clog will lead to extra furnace repairs and poor efficiency levels.
3. Seal Air Leaks
One of the biggest culprits of poor furnace efficiency levels is air leaks that develop along the air ducts or other heating system components. These leaks would have to be sealed to restore the heater’s efficiency. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to pinpoint this leak without being trained to perform furnace repairs.
4. Insulate the Attic
Insulation is a hidden but powerful tool that helps many homes maintain their indoor temperatures. If you have insulation installed in the attic, it will block off the outside cold air from entering the house. Consequently, your furnace will heat your home more rapidly and keep it warm for longer. If you’re unsure about the condition of your insulation, it may be a good idea to contact a furnace repair tech to inspect it.
5. Schedule Regular Furnace Tune-Ups in Houma
The best way to ensure that you have an efficient furnace at home is to schedule a furnace maintenance check. If performed at least once a year, furnace maintenance inspections will help you keep furnace repairs at a minimum and their efficiency at the most optimal levels. A regular tune-up will also prolong the furnace’s lifespan, allowing you to get the most bang for your buck.
Clearly, maintaining your home equipment is very important. Check out our blog, where we give advice on various maintenance tasks, including how to keep your generator.
Call Doug’s for Furnace Repair
Are you in need of furnace repair or maintenance services? Contact Doug’s Service Company today to schedule a visit with Houma’s top furnace technicians. With decades our knowledge, training, and experience, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest quality furnace repairs in the region. Call us at (985) 322-5943.
