Best Practices for Furnace Maintenance

By Endia Turney

Cooler weather is quickly arriving, and there’s no better time than now to be educated about your heater. From how to be safe to how to save energy, there are a plethora of tips to take in. As your comfort company, Aire Serv wants you to know the best practices for heater use as we move through fall and into the winter months.

Saving Energy

Replace furnace filters as recommended.

Leaving your filters in place for a longer time than recommended can cause them to be dirty, which restricts air flow and leads to the use of more energy. Keeping your filters clean and working properly can reduce energy costs by about 5 percent, according to the Consumer Energy Center.

Check for leaks.

Make sure to check around your windows and doors. If there are any spaces that leak air and need to be closed up, use caulk to do so. Be sure to also check areas where pipes or vents may go through the wall, floor or ceiling, such as the kitchen, bathrooms and closets.

Set your thermostat.

When you’re at home and awake, set the temperature as low as you can while still being comfortable. When you are out of the house, setting your thermostat about 10 to 15 degrees lower for eight hours can save you about 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills, according to the Department of Energy.

Furnace Safety

Keep the area unobstructed.

Keeping the area around your furnace clean and unobstructed can prevent fires and other accidents. Avoid having combustible objects or substances in the area.

Be aware.

Be mindful of any changes in the air that may indicate that your furnace is not functioning properly. If something doesn’t smell or seem normal, contact your local Aire Serv to have a professional look closely at the situation.