Did you realize that your furnace can lose efficiency after a while? While inevitable wear and tear during the years will have some effect on your furnace’s efficiency, the main culprit when it comes to furnaces losing efficiency is lack of maintenance. Ensuring you have regular furnace maintenance performed is the number one way you can keep your furnace running as it should and possibly save some money on your utility costs.
At Lakeside Heating & Air, we suggest annual furnace maintenance. At each visit, we will evaluate your furnace for any likely problems and recommend repairs if they’re needed. We’ll also ensure your furnace is clean and make any necessary adjustments. A key piece 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. Your filter may need to be replaced more or less frequently, depending on your filter type, your system and the indoor environment. For instance, if you have pets, you may need to change your air filter more regularly than someone who doesn’t. By assessing your filter every month, you’ll begin to figure out how often you should change it. Air will run more freely through your indoor space 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 needs to run so much harder when you have a dirty air filter and that puts avoidable wear and tear on its components.
Another factor 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 operating overtime, you still may not be as comfortable as you want. If you are concerned how well-sealed your ducts are, ask our experts at Lakeside Heating & Air.
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for approximately half your home’s energy usage, so having an efficient furnace is important. At Lakeside Heating & Air, we can help ensure your furnace is working at peak efficiency. Contact us to schedule your annual furnace maintenance at 509-284-4265.