The calendar may claim that it’s spring, but Utah is still getting severe winter storms. One day, it’s in the 50s, the next, 17+ inches of snow are expected. Utah has record-breaking all-time snow, approaching 800 inches in the Wasatch Range, and the Great Salt Lake has risen 2 feet since December. In addition to increasing concerns about flooding, you may worry about overusing your furnaces.
After all, by April, we’re usually dusting off our air conditioners and making the transition from using our furnaces to switching on the AC. However, we’re still relying on our furnaces to keep us warm during severe winter storm after severe winter storm.
Should you worry about wearing your furnace out? How can you keep your furnace running efficiently during the cold? What can you do to save on energy bills?
Here’s what you need to know about whether you’re overusing your furnaces and answers to the questions above.
Should You Worry About Wearing Your Furnace Out?
There’s no straightforward answer to this question as there are a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of your furnace. How old it is, whether or not you’ve been maintaining it regularly, whether or not it needs repairs, whether your thermostat is in good working order, and more can all affect the wear and tear of your furnace.
On average, furnaces last about 15-20 years when you maintain them as recommended. Your furnace may wear out sooner than this if it isn’t been properly installed or sized to your home, you haven’t maintained it, and your thermostat is set too high or too low.
Whether you should worry about wearing your furnace out because you are using it more due to the seemingly unending winter is dependent on the above factors and your habits. It’s always good to consult with your local HVAC technicians about any concerns you may have, as they will be able to provide you with personalized advice.
Ways You’re Overworking Your Furnace
A well-manufactured and maintained furnace should last you a long time, even when we have unexpectedly long winters. However, many people are overworking their furnaces without even realizing it. You can typically tell if you’re overusing your furnace if your energy costs have risen, your home temperature is uneven, and you’re needing frequent repairs.
Some of the ways you may be accidentally overusing your furnace include:
- You don’t turn the thermostat down at night or when you leave the house.
- You crank up the thermostat with the idea that setting it higher will heat your house faster.
- You leave windows and doors cracked open.
- You aren’t checking for drafts or repairing drafty windows.
- You’re blocking your vents with curtains, furniture, and the like.
- You’re not maintaining it.
- You opt for the cheapest HVAC technician without checking reviews of the quality of their work.
- You’re not insulating and sealing your home.
How To Keep Your Furnace Running Efficiently In The Cold
Avoiding the above behaviors are all ways that you can improve the efficiency of your furnace. To keep from overusing your furnace and to ensure it’s more efficient, you can also do the following:
- Replace air filters as recommended. If your air filters are dirty, they’ll restrict airflow and cause your furnace to have to work harder.
- Setting the thermostat a bit cooler than you’d like. In our previous blog, What Is The Ideal Home Temperature? How To Know What To Set Your Thermostat To, we covered this topic more in-depth.
- Trap heat with strategic use of area rugs, especially rugs made of insulating materials, like wool.
- Obtain maintenance and repairs as needed. While it may seem like a waste of money to some, this ensures that your furnace is operating to its full potential, which can save you money in the long run.
- Replace your furnace as needed. You don’t need to do this very often if you take good care of it. However, if your furnace is old, it won’t be very efficient, and the best way to avoid overusing your furnace may simply be to replace it.
Are You Worried About Overusing Your Furnace?
R & D Heating And Air can help! We provide professional HVAC services. If you need any maintenance or repairs or you simply have questions about your furnace, please do not hesitate to contact us today. You can contact us in Roy here, and in Ogden here.
Let us help you keep your home nice and warm for as long as needed.
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