Efficiency Tips for Your Furnace

While it’s easy to let your home’s furnace do its thing as it chugs along keeping the interior temperatures of your home comfortable, there are ways to help it operate more efficiently. At Sutton Brothers, we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks. Here are three of our best efficiency tips.

1. Invest in a New Thermostat

Upgrade to an advanced thermostat. This step can make a big difference because it is a key component of your HVAC system. It’s what you use to communicate with your furnace. Today’s thermostats are more than programmable. Advanced ones can do things like determining when you’re home and in need of a certain temperature and when you’re not. They adapt to your interior temperature needs.

2. Replace Your Home’s Weather Stripping

Windows and doors are two of the biggest heat draining culprits. According to some estimates, you can decrease your heating bill and make your furnace more efficient by as much as 30 percent with proper weather stripping. To check the effectiveness of your home’s weather stripping, use a handheld dryer and grab your partner. One of you will need to stand outside running the dryer along with the exterior of your home’s windows and doors while the other person feels for air entering the home. If air is coming in, then it’s time for an update. Affordable weather stripping is available from your local hardware store or online.

3. Use More Insulation

While newer homes usually have plenty of insulation, older homes often don’t. If you’re living in a home that was built before 1980, consider upgrading your insulation to increase the efficiency of your furnace. This step can save you anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent on your heating bills. Upgrade the insulation in your home’s attic and consider wrapping your hot water heater with it too. A wrapped hot water heater could save you 15 percent on the cost of heating your home’s water.

Comprehensive Service

We service furnaces, air conditioners and plumbing systems in Kernersville. For more information, contact us at Sutton Brothers. We can help you decrease your energy costs.