When you switch your residential HVAC system from cooling to heating mode in the fall, you might be wondering how it will impact your ongoing energy costs. While every system is different, there are a few things homeowners can do to optimize furnace performance. Here are three ways to improve the efficiency of your furnace. 

How Homeowners Can Boost Furnace Efficiency

1. Put the Air Filter On a Schedule

Furnaces have air filters that catch fine particulates before the heated air is circulated throughout the home. Unfortunately, when they become clogged, they can make your residential HVAC system work harder than necessary to pull in, heat, and redistribute the air. The harder the system has to work, the higher your energy costs will be.

To boost the efficiency of your furnace, put the filter on a schedule. Inspect it every two weeks, and replace it as soon as it looks dirty. Most filters only need to be changed every 30-60 days. However, you may need to change it more frequently if you have a pet, paint your home, or do renovations that increase the amount of dust and dirt in the home. 

2. Program & Lock the Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are designed to heat or cool your home during specific times of the day and go into more of a rest mode when climate control isn’t necessary. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t take advantage of this feature. This means the furnace may be running even though nobody is home. It could also waste energy by staying on longer than necessary. 

Improve the efficiency of your furnace by taking advantage of the programmable feature of your existing system, or consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Both varieties can be locked to prevent people from changing settings. Many smart thermostats use motion detection to stop heating when you are away from home.

3. Open the Vents 

While it may seem logical to close vents in unused rooms, this practice can actually impact the balanced nature of your residential HVAC system, impacting its efficiency. Closing vents can also increase the pressure inside the ducts, which can create issues like pinhole leaks or joinery problems that allow heated air to escape.

Before the cold season, check each room in the home to make sure the vents are open. If your home is getting too warm, adjust the thermostat appropriately. 

If you need help improving the efficiency of your HVAC system, turn to Evans Heating & Air Conditioning in Newark, OH. For nearly 60 years, this trusted team of heating and cooling professionals has been focused on making homes and businesses safer and more comfortable. They offer fast and efficient HVAC installations, maintenance, and emergency service to customers throughout Licking, Fairfield, Perry, and Knox counties. Learn more about their heating systems online, or call at (740) 522-2611 to schedule an appointment.