9 Effective Ways to Maximize the Efficiency of Your Furnace

As the winter season approaches, homeowners in Calgary and nearby areas start thinking about their heating bills. With rising energy costs, it’s essential to find ways to increase the efficiency of your furnace. A high-efficiency furnace installation can be a significant investment, but there are also several steps you can take to improve the performance of your existing furnace. In this article, we will explore nine effective ways to maximize the efficiency of your furnace, helping you save energy and money.

1. Lower Your Thermostat for Optimal Efficiency

One of the simplest ways to improve your furnace’s efficiency is by lowering the thermostat when you are not at home or during the night when everyone is sleeping. By reducing the temperature by just a few degrees, your furnace won’t have to work as hard, resulting in energy savings. Lowering your thermostat by one degree can save you approximately 1% on your annual heating costs. Over time, these savings can add up significantly.

2. Weatherproof Your Home for Energy Savings

To reduce the amount of heat your furnace needs to generate, weatherproofing your home is crucial. Start by installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering your home. Sealing any gaps with caulk or expanding foam can further enhance the insulation. Additionally, using insulated curtains can create a barrier against cold air at your windows. These measures will help your furnace operate more efficiently by minimizing heat loss.

3. Change Your Furnace Air Filter Regularly

Regularly changing your furnace’s air filter is an essential maintenance task that can significantly improve its efficiency. Over time, the air filter accumulates dust and dirt, restricting airflow and making your furnace work harder. To prevent this, replace the air filter every 90 days. This simple step not only improves energy efficiency but also ensures cleaner air quality in your home.

4. Keep Air Registers Open and Unblocked

Blocked or closed air registers can obstruct the airflow in your home, forcing your furnace to work harder than necessary. To maximize efficiency, ensure that all air registers throughout your home remain open and unblocked by furniture or other objects. Additionally, keeping doors open allows for better airflow and helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home.

5. Adjust Airflow Dampers for Balanced Heating

If your home has multiple floors, adjusting the airflow dampers in your ductwork can help achieve a more balanced temperature distribution. By restricting the heat going upstairs and increasing airflow to the first floor, you can optimize the efficiency of your furnace. This allows your thermostat to accurately assess the conditions in your home and provide consistent heating.

6. Reseal Duct Joints to Prevent Air Leaks

Air leaks in your ductwork can lead to significant energy loss and reduced furnace efficiency. Check for any leaks in the visible joints of your ductwork near the furnace. If you feel warm air escaping, use duct or furnace tape to seal the leaks. While you may not be able to address leaks in inaccessible areas, consulting an HVAC technician can help identify and fix any hidden leaks in your duct system.

7. Insulate Exposed Ductwork for Heat Retention

If your home has exposed ductwork, insulating it can prevent heat loss and improve furnace efficiency. Insulation helps maintain the temperature of the heated air as it travels through the ducts, ensuring more efficient heating throughout your home. Consult an HVAC specialist to evaluate whether additional insulation is necessary and to handle the installation professionally.

8. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your furnace operating at peak efficiency. Professional furnace maintenance includes checking fluids, inspecting components, and cleaning or replacing air filters. By scheduling annual maintenance, you can address any potential issues before they become major problems and ensure that your furnace continues to perform optimally.

9. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace

If your furnace is old or experiencing frequent repairs, it may be time to consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model. While this is a more substantial investment, a new furnace can provide significant energy savings in the long run. High-efficiency furnaces are designed to use less energy while delivering superior performance, resulting in reduced heating costs and improved comfort.

Ask for Tips from Your Calgary Plumbing Company

Of course, one of the easiest ways to get professional information and advice regarding your furnace is to call a plumbing company in Calgary. They will give you some pointers, such as:

• Use your window curtains. These devices aren’t just for privacy. They are also a great way to soak up the daylight sun and block the nighttime chill.
• Open your floor registers. These devices are installed in strategic locations to ensure your furnace can evenly heat the entirety of your home, so keep them open and alter your thermostat temperature setting to keep the temperature of your home balanced.
• Bring cooking back to the kitchen. Ovens are another great source of heat for your home so strike up some Christmas baking and turn that thermostat down to compensate.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat. With the advent of smart homes and smart thermostats, like the Nest, plumbing companies in Calgary recommend installing these devices to get real-time information on your energy consumption, program a schedule, and more.

• Have Your Furnace Regularly Inspected by a Plumbing Company in Calgary

Even following the tips described above, it is still important to have your furnace regularly inspected. The filters will get dirty over time, parts will wear, and these devices must be maintained adequately. So, call a plumbing company in Calgary to come and check your furnace. You’ll be happy you took the initiative.

Since 1996, ProStar Plumbing & Heating has been providing Calgary with reliable, hassle-free, quality plumbing solutions. When things go wrong, the community trusts us to handle it with our skills, expertise and personal attention. We can help you with a range of plumbing and heating services, including water leak detection and repairs, drain cleaning, sewer repair, furnace repair and much more. With 24/7 emergency service, no overtime charges, upfront pricing and the best team in the business, you know we’re for you. Whether you need your drain cleared or furnace installation in Calgary, contact ProStar today on 403-250-7232.