4 Common Issues That Affect Furnace Efficiency

Problems that Reduce Furnace Efficiency

Michigan winters can be some of the coldest in the country. One look at our energy bills is enough to prove it, with about 30% of the average total per season being attributed to heating alone. If your furnace isn’t running efficiently, however, that percentage can increase a whole lot more than necessary.

Furnace efficiency can be affected by a variety of different things, but those covered in this article are some of the most common and impactful. For just $69, the HVAC professionals of Technical Hot & Cold can address each one and more to ensure that your home heating system is running at its best - potentially putting hundreds back into your pocket over the course of the winter season.

Age

Most furnaces have a lifespan of about 15-20 years and will become less efficient leading up to that point as they work harder to compensate for the wear and tear of time. Not only will you end up shelling out more money per month in energy bills, but also in repair costs as the necessary parts become harder to find and thus more expensive. If your furnace is more than a decade old, it’s definitely worth more in the long run to bite the bullet and have a new one installed before the winter season.

We’ll be real with you; this is the costliest option upfront. The good news is that at Technical Hot & Cold, the price we quote you for a new furnace installation is the only one you’ll pay. Plain and simple. No surprise costs or fees. Sound good? Cool. And don’t worry, we also won’t try to sell you a new furnace unless you absolutely need it. Let us come take a look first and see what’s up.

Air Quality

As heated air moves through your furnace, the air filter removes contaminants like pollen, dust, dander and dirt to prevent them from settling in the ductwork and restricting airflow. When it isn’t routinely changed, the air filter becomes clogged and causes the furnace to run longer and harder than necessary to heat your home. This not only results in higher energy bills, but also upsets allergy symptoms and causes respiratory issues as indoor air quality declines.

The general recommendation is that you change your furnace air filter every 90 days, but it’s always a good idea to consult a THC professional because different units might require different care.

Thermostat

Your thermostat is the central control system of your furnace. If the indoor temperature drops below the desired setting, the thermostat signals the furnace to turn on and warm up your home to that temperature. Once it determines that the target has been met, the thermostat then signals the furnace to shut off.

If there’s a problem with your thermostat, it won’t correctly register room temperature and thus will be unable to send the right signals to your furnace. This causes the latter to short cycle or run longer more frequently, which wastes energy and puts strain on the system.

Sometimes this can be attributed to voltage issues, flawed wiring or simply age. Technical Hot & Cold can identify and correct each of these possibilities.

Ductwork

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 20% of the warm air produced by a furnace is lost through leaks in the ductwork responsible for distributing it throughout your home. When this happens, the space isn’t being efficiently heated, and causes your furnace to run longer and harder in an effort to maintain consistent whole-home temperature. Think of it as trying to shovel out water in a sinking boat full of holes.

A professional THC technician can test your ductwork and identify any flaws, then spot seal and insulate to correct the issue.

Technical Hot & Cold has the equipment, experience and training necessary to address all of these furnace efficiency items and save you a fortune on winter energy bills and repair costs - all for just $69. If you’re ready to schedule a furnace inspection or have any questions, give us a call at (734) 326-3900 or click the button below.