7 Hacks to Avoid Overworking Your Furnace This Winter
Now is the best time to prepare your heating system for Old Man Winter. Although the winter weather in North Carolina is generally mild compared to other states, you never know what to expect from the effects of snow, sleet, or freezing temperatures. You can take several steps to ensure that your heating system runs at peak efficiency during winter to provide warmth and comfort without overworking your HVAC system.
The first and most crucial step is keeping your heating system in good working order, so your home or business has a consistent heat source. Greater energy efficiency, fewer problems, fewer emergency repairs, and extended equipment life depend on a well-maintained system.
To help avoid overworking your heating system this winter, here are some helpful tips to ensure maximum efficiency.
-
- Schedule your bi-annual maintenance
Make sure to arrange for furnace service from All American Heating and Air to keep your system in optimal operating condition. To give your HVAC system a clean bill of health for year-round comfort, we offer a thorough inspection that includes testing and cleaning components, from coils and drains to electrical and thermostats. - Turn down your thermostat when you leave
Do you save on your heating bills when you turn back the thermostat when you’re away from home? The answer is yes. According to a 2022 Dept of Energy Saver article, you can save as much as 10% of your heating bills by turning back the thermostat for eight hours—typically while at work or when sleeping at night. Another energy- and money-saving investment is a programmable thermostat that provides consistent temperature settings, less time adjusting, and increased home efficiency for HVAC optimization. Today’s programmable thermostats are tech-savvy, offering Wi-Fi capabilities from various sources, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. - Remember to double-check those filters
As a general rule, air filters should be replaced every three months, so if you need help remembering the last time you checked, it’s probably time to replace them. Consider your air filters a catcher’s mitt, catching airborne pollutants like allergens, pet dander, dust, and mold spores. Check the MERV rating on your filters; the range is 1 to 16, with 1 being the lowest and 16 being the highest, so the higher, the better. When in doubt, discuss appropriate filter recommendations with your All American Heating and Air tech when scheduling your furnace service. - Inspect your insulation
Consider your home’s insulation to be a warm, protective blanket. According to the Department of Energy, it helps reduce heating and cooling costs while improving comfort levels. Check the R-values to ensure your insulation performs optimally; the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. Contact our furnace service technicians to discuss your insulation requirements. - Keep the vents clear
Your home’s air vents will work properly if obstacles do not impede them, so keep furniture and other items away. - Don’t forget your ductwork
Your home’s ductwork may be hidden, but it plays a vital role in air quality, increased energy efficiency and savings, and extending the life of your HVAC system. Our certified technicians have over two decades of experience diagnosing and improving air ducts for long-term performance, so count on us for all your ductwork needs. - Schedule an Energy Audit
If you are concerned that your home’s energy efficiency is not providing you with the cost savings you need, contact All American Heating and Air to schedule an energy audit. Our skilled technicians will gladly assess the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
- Schedule your bi-annual maintenance