Using Your Furnace More Efficiently This Winter

Want your furnace to last longer and save money on your heating bills this winter? Turns out efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of your furnace go hand in hand. And after more than 25 years of providing furnace repair in Los Gatos, CA we have plenty of tips and tricks to help you use your furnace more efficiently.

Unblock Vents and Registers

Plenty of homeowners believe that if they block off the vents in unused areas of the home, it will help save them money on energy bills. What they often fail to realize is furnaces are sized to heat the entire home efficiently. Blocking off certain vents will put strain on the system and can cause uneven heating. For the most efficient operation, you want to keep the vents open, clean, and unobstructed.

Change the Furnace Filters

Air filters help keep dust and debris out of the inner workings of the furnace. But if an air filter gets clogged it can reduce airflow and significantly reduce the efficiency of your system. You should check your air filters once a month during peak use, just to make sure they are still good. And if filters are clogged, you should swap them out for fresh ones as soon as possible.

Program Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a game-changer when it comes to running your system efficiently. It allows you to keep temperatures moderate while you are away, and then turn up the heat for when you are back home. Want to take efficiency to the next level? Consider installing a smart thermostat that allows you to monitor efficiency and adjust the temperature from your phone.

Set Ceiling Fans to Run Clockwise

In the warmer months, you should set your fans to run counter-clockwise to promote more airflow and keep the home cool. But in winter you want to reverse the blades so they run clockwise. This rotation will draw the cool air up and push warm air back down.

Seal Drafts around Windows and Doors

It is obvious you want to keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible in the winter. Any openings will let the heat out and the cold in. But you should also make sure to seal any gaps around windows and doors with caulk and weather stripping. It is relatively easy and will help limit the drafts that leech into the home so you aren’t wasting energy.

Insulate with Heavy Curtains

During the day you want to capitalize on the sun’s warmth to help heat the home. But at night, you want to insulate your windows with thicker curtains so the cold cannot seep inside.

Schedule a Regular Furnace Repair

One of the best ways to keep your furnace running at peak efficiency is keeping up with annual maintenance. A technician can come in and check all the parts to make sure they are still in good shape. They can also clean out the system so it will continue to run at an optimal level. It also gives them an opportunity to spot any issues before they become a major problem.

If you want reliable furnace repair in Los Gatos, CA contact the HVAC experts at Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. They will help keep your furnace running at peak efficiency all winter long.