During the winter, we rely on furnaces to keep our homes warm and cozy. However, if you’ve noticed that your utility bills have skyrocketed, this may be because your furnace is using more energy than it should. The best way to find out is to schedule furnace maintenance from a reputable company.
Read on to learn more about how maintenance can prevent your furnace from wasting energy and save you money.
Signs That Your Furnace Is Wasting Energy
Aside from increased utility bills, there are multiple signs that point to your furnace wasting energy. The first sign your furnace isn’t working properly is having uneven heating or cold spots. When a furnace is wasting energy, it can cause some areas in your home to feel warm while others are colder. This indicates poor temperature control and distribution, which means your furnace isn’t efficiently heating your home.
Another telltale sign your furnace is wasting energy is when it runs constantly. There are two ways this can happen: short cycling and long cycles. Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off in short bursts. Long cycles occur when a furnace runs continuously without reaching the desired temperature. This means your furnace is having a hard time keeping up with the demand, and this is usually due to heat loss or lack of maintenance.
Change Your Air Filter
Now that you know what causes a furnace to waste energy, let’s go over ways you can prevent it. The first method involves cleaning your air filter on a regular basis. A dirty air filter can block the airflow and force your furnace to be on longer than it should be. It’s ideal to clean or replace it every one to three months.
Clean Around the Furnace
It’s not just the inside of the furnace you need to clean. You also need to clean the outside, as dirt, dust, and debris can gather around your furnace over time. The buildup can restrict airflow and prevent key components from working.
Listen for Strange Sounds
If you start hearing sounds like rattling, hissing, or popping from your furnace, there may be an underlying issue. These sounds can indicate problems like a faulty fan motor or worn-down components.
The last thing homeowners in Denver, CO need during the winter is a faulty furnace. If you feel cold in a certain part of your home or hear a weird noise, contact Absolute Electrical Heating and Air for furnace maintenance today!