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Furnaces are typically tough and can be expected to last for many years. Still, they do wear down due to overuse, neglect, and abuse. During winter, the last thing anyone would want is to live in a house with a failing and unreliable heating system. Furthermore, when furnace efficiency decreases, then you pay more on your home heating costs.
The furnace might be a relatively robust piece of equipment, but it can prematurely wear down if not used properly. It will eventually reach the point of breaking down. Before then, HVAC repairs will increase, costing you more in furnace repairs.
It is thus important to know how you can help the furnace function properly without any extra effort or strain.
How You Are Overworking The Furnace In Your Home
People often ignore the early signs and symptoms of problems with the furnace until the problems start cropping up. Interestingly, it is also possible that homeowners unwittingly contribute to those problems.
6 Ways Homeowners Stress And Overwork Their Furnaces
1. Failure To Turn The Thermostat Down When Leaving
Homeowners sometimes prefer keeping their thermostat at the same temperature to maintain home comfort. They do this even when the home is unoccupied for extended periods. It is totally unnecessary since it forces the furnace to consume unnecessary energy and work harder than it needs to.
If you are looking to lower the energy costs in your household and make sure that the furnace isn’t overworked, you should consider using a programmable thermostat. This way, you can set the preferred temperature when the home is occupied and do the same when it isn’t.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you should simply turn down the thermostat you already have in your home before leaving for the day or at night. If you spend the day at home, be sure to keep the temperature at the recommended thermostat settings too.
2. Allowing Cold Air in
If you are into the habit of leaving doors and windows open even slightly, you will definitely let cold air in. This is typically evident on the days when you feel a cold draft in the room. Always make it a habit to check the doors and windows to ensure they are closed and locked.
It can also be an excellent idea to learn how to check for air drafts. Gaps, cracks, as well as holes around windows and doors, are common culprits when it comes to air drafts. Ensure that all these are fixed without delay.
3. Cranking The Thermostat When Cold
It isn’t necessary to turn up the thermostat when you are cold. Some do this to heat their home faster.
First, check whether the thermostat is already at your preferred temperature. If it isn’t turn up your thermostat to the ideal temperature setting but not more. If your thermostat is already at the preferred temperature setting, don’t turn it up more since this won’t make you warm up faster and only serves to overwork the furnace.
4. Blocking HVAC Vents
Homeowners sometimes block vents with curtains, furniture, or other objects. In the interest of style, indoor design, or function, they ignore where vents are located and simply put plants, furniture, and other solid items either on top or right in front.
Solid objects placed in front of wall heat vents block airflow. The furnace cannot evenly distribute the warm air if the vents are obstructed. The same applies to putting a bed over the vent expecting to keep your sheets toasty and warm. It might, but you will be hindering the proper flow of warm air.
5. Not Keeping Up With Annual Furnace Maintenance
Regular furnace checkups and maintenance are a must for every home. Regular inspections ensure that problems are identified and addressed early on by the HVAC contractor. It ensures that your system keeps operating efficiently and helps reduce energy costs.
Furthermore, if you are the type of homeowner that doesn’t change your furnace filter regularly, then this may overwork the furnace too. Check the filter every month and ensure that it is clean and working properly.
6. Opting For Cheap Furnace Replacement
The older your furnace gets, the less efficient it becomes. Eventually, it will give in to aging as well as wear-and-tear. You will soon find that you need to replace your furnace.
A newer and more energy-efficient furnace can make a significant difference in the comfort of your home, energy costs, and indoor air quality. Still, you should avoid the temptation of buying the cheapest replacement furnace available. Keep in mind that the furnace system is an investment whose performance will affect you for a long time to come.
3 Signs You Have An Overworked Heating System
Increased Home Heating Costs
Utility bills will naturally spike during winter, but if the increase seems unusual, there could be an issue with the furnace. Various factors may lead to this. Check your air filters and if necessary, replace them. If the air filter is clean, then have an HVAC contractor inspect the heating system.
Uneven Temperature
If the furnace is unable to maintain the ideal temperature and you feel hot and cold spots throughout the home, it might not be operating properly. It is probably overworked and unable to meet your needs. Have your system checked by a furnace expert who will offer a diagnosis.
Frequent Furnace Repairs
If the furnace is always breaking down and in need of repairs, chances are it is overworked. A furnace that works harder tends to wear out prematurely. The furnace will eventually require an early replacement.
You Can Always Count On Tevis Energy For All Your Home Heating Needs!
Heating the home is part science and part art. The important thing is to understand how the HVAC system operates and what is required to maintain furnace efficiency. If you wish to learn more about ways to keep the HVAC system in top shape or if you would like to replace your furnace, talk to your trusted HVAC contractor today.
For expert heating and cooling services in the area, you can always count on Tevis Energy. Our professionally certified HVAC technicians have the experience needed to solve all your home comfort problems. They will perform any service in a fast, knowledgeable, and friendly manner.
Furthermore, you can count on us to offer you the most competitive prices in the area. To ensure your satisfaction, we also guarantee all the work we do for you. To schedule your free, in-home estimate, be sure to give Tevis Energy a call today!
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (410) 876-6800 to find out more!