You’ve probably had your furnace on for a while now, and more than likely your latest utility bills have been higher than usual.  This is no surprise as your home’s heating system is among the largest energy users.  Thankfully, with some simple tips your furnace can keep you warm without burning a hole through your wallet.

The Importance of Maintenance

How you operate your heating system will influence how much energy you use. Focus on Energy recommends the following tips to help you lower your heating bills and ensure that your furnace functions safely and efficiently.

• Turn down the thermostat when you are away or sleeping. Regularly setting your thermostat to a lower temperature, by 5 degrees for eight hours every day, will save about 5 percent on your heating bill. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically, depending on the time of the day and the day of the week.

• Leave the fan switch on your thermostat set to “auto” unless you have a specific need for additional air circulation. Setting the fan switch to “on” will cause the fan to run all the time, whether or not there is a need for heating. Those extra hours of operation will add to your electric bill. If you do need to run your fan continuously, installing a furnace with an electronically commutated motor (ECM) will save you the most money over the life of your furnace.

• Clean or replace furnace filters as recommended by your contractor, or as noted on your filter packaging. This may be as often as once a month.

• Make sure registers aren’t blocked by furniture or draperies.

• Have your furnace tuned up according to the manufacturer’s or contractor’s recommendation. The contractor will test the efficiency, adjust the air and fuel flow, inspect the fan, and clean the unit. Tune ups will boost your furnace’s efficiency and performance, which will save you money on utility bills and add to the overall comfort of your home. 

• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor with a bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors are not a substitute for properly maintaining your combustion appliances, but provide added protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Visit our Web site for more information about incorporating energy efficiency into your home and maintaining your heating system, or call Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077.