Is Your Furnace Working Too Hard?

During mid-winter, your furnace is called upon to provide more heat, more often. It's a good idea to make sure you are maximizing the benefits of its output, and not wasting expensive energy. One of the most effective energy-savings improvements is to make sure you aren't letting heat escape through the attic and exterior walls, not through drafty windows and door frames. If your home is sufficiently insulated and weather-stripped, you will prevent the needless, yet significant loss of heated air.

Fresh Air Is Important
Your furnace needs oxygen to burn it's fuel, yet must work hardest at a time when your windows and doors are obviously closed. To Make matters worse, bathroom ad kitchen exhaust fans can actually draw air away from the furnace, causing a "back draft" that can create inefficient operation, and could allow noxious combustion fumes to enter the family living space. This can be a critical issue with some older furnaces which may not provide for a sufficient supply of fresh air that is required for safe and efficient operation.

Despite our reluctance to unnecessarily introduce cold air into our interior environment, we can't afford to starve our furnaces of oxygen. The best solution is a balanced ventilation system that draws fresh outside air into the furnace chamber, and sends clean, heated air into our living spaces.

After you address your home insulation and ventilation status, look into the following furnace maintenance steps to ensure greater fuel efficiency and minimize the risk of serious furnace problems.

Forced Air Furnaces

Fan Maintenance
Your furnace fan is a vutal part of your heat delivery system, its smooth operation is critical for efficient fuel consumption. It should be lubricated, well balanced and operate quietly and at the right speed for the size of your furnace and your home.

Filter Monitoring
Dirty, clogged air filters will slow down your furnace's output of warm air, so your thermostat will simply demand more heat. Be sure to clean or replace them frequently, as indicated by the manufacturer. Likewise, ducts and registers should be clear of dust.

Clean Air Supply
Be sure your furnace intake vent is not clogged with debris, which may hamper efficiency. Avoid operation without adequate screening.

Humidistat and Humidifier
Humidity in the air allows us to feel relatively warmer at lower temperatures, so forced air furnaces should have an attached humidifier with an automatic humidistat regulator.

Water Boiler / Radiators

Boiler and Pump
The boiler unit heats water for the radiators, and a pump circulates the water around the "rad" pipes. The boiler and pump should be operating at peak efficiency for fuel efficient comfort throughout the winter.

Rads and Pipes
Check your pipes for leaks, both during and after the winter season, as changing temperatures can stress pipe joints. Also, be sure to "bleed" your radiator nozzles to release trapped air, making room inside for more hot water to disperse more radiant heat.

Portable Humidifiers
Since radiators emit dry heat, you will need to supplement a ductless heating system with humidifiers. They should be placed in all frequently used rooms, including bedrooms.

Seasonal Service
Your best defense against home heat failure is an annual inspection and service plan, but make sure you know what you're buying into. Although many parts are sensitive to heat and might not last more than a year, they may be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Whatever your contract, be sure it covers all major parts.

Choices for the Long Term
There are other popular forms of home heating. Such as electric and wood burning units, portable oil radiators, space heaters and fans. These are often sued to supplement furnace output, especially in isolated or infrequently used spaces. Regardless of your choice, you should always be mindful of how it contributes to your local heating needs, and how it relates to other aspects of your home comfort and safety, especially during cold weather.

When it comes to safe, reliable home heating, regular maintenance and ongoing care is invaluable. The more you help your furnace, especially during peak operation, the longer it will perform efficiently and save you money - and the less vulnerable it will be to breakdown during high demand periods.

To Top