Is Your Furnace Energy Efficient?

Like any other appliances or devices you use at home, you want to make sure your furnace system is running as efficiently as possible. With an energy-efficient furnace, you can expect a significant reduction in your heating bill.

A furnace is one of those installations that are out of sight and therefore out of mind. So many homeowners assume that their furnaces are running efficiently simply because they are operating normally. However, furnaces become less energy efficient over time for various causes. An inefficient furnace can cause a spike in energy bills, reduced performance, and even reduce the lifespan of the unit.

At Absolute HVAC Service, we’ve compiled several ways to check if your furnace is energy efficient, thus saving you time and money.

Absolute HVAC Service is always ready to help you with all of your HVAC needs, including furnace repair, furnace replacement, and HVAC repair in Gainesville.

Inspect the thermostat

The thermostat is the control system of your furnace as it determines when and how much heat will be delivered by the unit. If this component is not working properly, it could have a significant impact on your furnace’s energy efficiency. For instance, a faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to run continuously, thereby eroding energy efficiency. Instead of waiting till your furnace stops working altogether, make sure to have your thermostat inspected by a reputable HVAC company. If you are using a manually controlled thermostat, it is advisable to upgrade to a programmable one.

Consider your furnace’s AFUE rating

A furnace’s AFUE rating (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how efficient the unit is at heating over time. This rating ranges from 0 to 100, and the higher the rating, the higher the energy efficiency.

Check the air filter

At its most basic function, a furnace filter protects the blower fan from dust, hair, pollen, pet dander, and other particles the return ducts pull in. The air filter will become dirty over time, making it harder for the unit to distribute air throughout the home, leading to less-than-optimal efficiency.

The air filter is more likely to become dirty during high periods of use. If your heating bills are creeping up, it takes longer to heat your home, or your home is dustier than before, make sure you call in a reputable HVAC company to check the air filter and recommend the best course of action.

Consider the age of your furnace

The age of your furnace system is a big factor in energy efficiency. It goes without saying that a furnace won’t perform as well as it did when it was new. Typically, a furnace’s energy efficiency decreases by about 5% every year and even much faster if you don’t keep up with routine maintenance. If your furnace has seen better days, it may not be as energy efficient as a newly installed unit. The average lifespan of a furnace ranges from 15 to 20 years, meaning if your furnace is older than 15 years, it is best to have it replaced.

If you are looking for an experienced HVAC company to help you with HVAC repair, reach out to Absolute HVAC Service.