What Strains Your System And How Furnace Repair And Maintenance Can Help

Are your winter-time heating habits putting an unnecessary strain on your home's HVAC system? From issues with insulation to system maintenance (and when to call a professional HVAC contractor for a furnace repair), take a look at the most common culprits behind energy or heating loss and top tips to follow during the colder months of the year. 

What Habits Can Put A Strain On Your Heater?

You need to find the potential problems before you can start to select the solutions. Whether your heating bills are suddenly sky high, your furnace seems to break down constantly, or your home is uncomfortably cold, now is the time to learn more about the common issues that can put a strain on your HVAC system. These include:

  • Not changing the air filter. Normal use can cause your heater's air filter to clog. Failure to replace (or clean, if you have a reusable model) the filter forces the system to work harder. This decreases efficiency and may result in poor heating.

  • Failure to insulate your home. Sometimes the HVAC system itself isn't the problem. Lack of interior insulation or poorly insulated doors and windows can add to the strain on your heater. 

  • Poor maintenance. When was the last time your system had a professional inspection or cleaning service? Without adequate routine maintenance, a heater can fail prematurely. This includes preventative service and repairs when needed. 

Now that you know more about what can put a strain on your heater, it's time to take the next step and learn about what you can do to combat these culprits.

What Can You Reduce the Strain On Your Heater?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential heating system use is the number one utility cost for most American homes. With 29 percent of the average homeowner's utility bill going towards the price of heating, increasing HVAC energy efficiency is a top priority. To combat the strain on your home's heater:

  • Change the filter regularly. The number of times you need to replace or clean your filter depends on the type of filter, your home's heating system, how often you use the heater, and other household factors (such as the number of pets you have).

  • Use the right filter. Not only should you clean the filter, but you also need to use a product that effectively removes debris. 

  • Insulate your home. Talk to your HVAC contractor about air leaks or ask for an energy audit. This can help you to choose places and spaces to insulate.

  • Schedule check-ups and repairs. Your system needs regular maintenance appointments and repairs to help it work at peak performance. 

Along with these tips, replacing an old thermostat with a new smart or programmable one can help you to control the indoor air temperature 24-7. This allows you to adjust the setting ahead of time or while you're away. The result is a comfortable interior environment and the potential to lower the system's energy usage. 

For more information, contact a furnace repair service near you.

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