The temperature is dropping more and more each day, and the extremely cold weather will soon be here. As winter settles in, homeowners across Canada will be relying on their furnaces to keep them warm, which unfortunately comes with a cost. By following this list of furnace efficiency tips, you can reduce some of the stress on your wallet this winter.
Change Filter
Staying on top of filter maintenance is the first tip we suggest to homeowners who are looking to improve the efficiency of their furnace. A clogged filter will impede the airflow of your heating system, and it forces your furnace to work harder and longer to adequately heat your home. You should change your filter at least every 90 days, but that number reduces depending on how many people and pets live in your home.
Program Your Thermostat
Another simple tip that can drastically reduce your utility bills and improve the efficiency of your furnace is programming your thermostat. Setting your thermostat to reduce the temperature in your home by a couple of degrees at night when you are sleeping and when you leave your home is a great way to reduce your bills without sacrificing comfort.
Check Your Seals
Checking the condition of the seals on your windows, doors, and ductwork is a furnace efficiency tip that most homeowners know about but never complete. If the seals on your doors and windows are damaged, they could be releasing a significant amount of heat from your home. Repairing and replacing the seals on your windows and doors is relatively cheap, but it can save you a lot of money on your monthly bills over time. It also means your furnace won’t have to run as frequently because the temperature in your home will be more stable.
Ceiling Fans
Most homeowners don’t realize that the ceiling fans in their home can be just as beneficial during the winter as they are in the summer. Setting your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise will push the warm air that rises downward, which will help you to feel warmer so you can reduce the temperature on your thermostat and minimize the stress on your furnace.
Annual Maintenance
Scheduling annual furnace maintenance is necessary to keep your warranty valid, but it can also drastically improve the efficiency of your furnace. A licensed technician will inspect your system for wear and damage and replace any parts that could be impeding the efficiency of your unit.
Reduce your monthly bills and improve your home comfort this winter with these furnace efficiency tips, and with some help from the experts at Team Harding!
Team Harding has been proudly serving Ottawa’s HVAC needs since 1994. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with reliable equipment and quality service.
