To keep interiors comfortable throughout fall and winter, many homeowners have their furnaces running non-stop—even in the South, where it’s not crazy cold. After a professional tuneup, there are steps you can take to avoid equipment malfunctions, high energy bills, and the need for emergency heating repair. To save money while maintaining optimal temperatures inside your home, consider the following to-do list. 

How to Improve Furnace Performance 

1. Clear Space Around the Furnace, Vents, & Registers

The placement of items in your home can create unintentional barriers that restrict furnace airflow. In the basement, leave a few feet of space between the furnace and boxes, gym equipment, and anything else you store in the area. In addition to helping air circulate better, moving the belongings will reduce the risk of fire. Take a walk through the rest of your home and make sure furniture, animal bedding, and other items aren’t resting against vents and registers. 

2. Change the Air Filter

The HVAC system’s air filter traps pet dander, dirt, dust, allergens, and other particles that get sucked into the system before they reach the blower fan. Once the screen is covered in grime, it becomes difficult for air to pass through. This forces the system to work harder to reach the thermostat’s desired temperature, possibly leading to the need for heating repair.

To maintain proper airflow, check the filter each month to see whether it needs to be changed, with a plan to replace it at least once per season. The filter is located in the return air duct or the air handler cabinet.

3. Seal the Garage Door

If you have an attached garage, the large door can be a source of heat loss. Warm air can filter out, and cold outside air can get in through gaps in the panel perimeter.

Place silicone, rubber, or vinyl weatherstripping materials along the door sweep, top molding, and down each side of the panel. This will eliminate drafts so that the furnace doesn’t have to work harder.

For professional heating and air inspection, contact the HVAC contractors at locally owned Chrismon Heating & Cooling in Greensboro, NC. Since 1991, the eagle-eyed team has been detecting and fixing minor issues with clients’ heating and AC systems before they grow into major concerns. With an on-duty 24/7 answering service, the company will also field calls for emergency heating repairs for heating oil, gas, and electric equipment. Call (336) 656-3888 to schedule service in the Guilford County area and ask about their 12-month guarantee on their work. Read customer feedback online.