Your furnace has a base energy efficiency rating, but there are always steps that you can take to get a little extra efficiency boost. And let’s face it, every little bit that you can save on heating your home this winter will add up.
Give us a call whenever you need furnace service in Oak Brook, IL. You can also keep reading to learn about a few of the ways that you can help boost heater efficiency and potentially save some money on energy costs while also lessening the wear and tear on your unit.
Thermostat Settings
One of the easiest ways to boost your furnace’s energy efficiency is by using smart settings on your thermostat. The US Department of Energy offers a recommendation that you should set your thermostat no higher than 68° for heating. We know it can be tempting to turn that dial up a little more to get your home warmer.
However, your furnace was only designed to be able to heat your home so much. Setting the thermostat too high doesn’t actually make your home warmer. Instead, it leaves your furnace working longer and harder to produce results. Your energy costs will increase and your furnace will wear out more quickly.
Even if your home is warmer, it’s not worth the additional costs when you consider your utility bills and potential repairs for your furnace. It’s better to plan on bundling up with warm coats and blankets to lighten the load on your furnace so that it can work better.
Keep Heat Inside
It’s also a good idea to do everything you can to keep heat inside your home. Check all of your windows and doors for gaps that allow heat to escape. Invest in services to reseal windows and purchase door insulation that can go either around the frame or underneath the door where it closes.
Then check the insulation in your attic. Heat rises and if you don’t have enough insulation, the heat will escape through your roof. Your insulation can degrade over time so that it has less of an impact on keeping heat in your home. Blowing in a little extra insulation can make a big difference in both your home comfort and the energy costs associated with keeping your home warm.
Keep Up With Maintenance
You also need to keep up with both maintenance steps of your own and professional service appointments with our team. The steps that you can take on a monthly basis can have a major impact on how your furnace operates both now and in the future. Maintaining a clean air filter and wiping down the inside of the cabinet will go a long way toward helping your furnace operate without any added strain.
Professional care is designed to identify problems early on instead of waiting until something major goes wrong. By the time you noticed the signs of furnace problems, they may be far enough along that lasting damage is impacting your furnace. If it’s better to have our team take a look annually and replace small components or make tweaks that can protect your furnace for the year to come.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!