Are There More Efficient Ways to Use My Furnace in Lorton, VA?

Heating costs over the winter in Lorton, VA, can be tough to bear. Finding ways to make your HVAC system more efficient can help save on both utility and repair costs. Here are some ways to help your furnace run more efficiently this winter.

Managing Your Thermostat’s Temperature

How you set your temperature will determine how efficiently your furnace runs. A higher temperature means your furnace will run longer and more often during the coldest days. The Department of Energy recommends you set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit over the winter.

However, you don’t need it that warm when you’re not there to enjoy it. Rather, you can lower it to between 60- and 62-degrees during work hours, lowering the workload on your system. The DOE estimates that doing so may lower your energy bill by up to about 10%.

Keep Air Flowing Effectively

Your system has to circulate air to heat your home. Anything inhibiting that airflow causes your efficiency to decline dramatically, not to mention straining your system, causing additional furnace repairs. Start by ensuring you keep your furnace filter clean, changing it once every 30-90 days.

Be sure to leave your interior doors open. Leave vents open, even in rooms you don’t use regularly. Be sure each of your vents also has at least a 2-inch clearance above and around it to ensure the air can flow easily into your home.

Give Your Furnace a Tune-Up

Your furnace naturally loses some efficiency as it ages due to internal airflow restrictions and wearing parts. During routine maintenance, a technician will check the areas that often cause restrictions, including the heat exchanger and circulating fan. They also test major components of the system to ensure they are working optimally, giving the best operational efficiency.

Use your furnace with the highest efficiency this winter and save your wallet. Call to schedule your furnace maintenance with the expert technicians at Indoor Air Quality Medics today.

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