Last Updated on February 14, 2024
When it comes to heating and cooling your home, the furnace is one of the most critical components. If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, an inefficient furnace can make those months miserable. Unfortunately, furnaces often become less efficient as they age – which means you will need to take steps to improve their performance if you want it to last for years more.Â
Here are four tips on how to make your electric furnace more efficient and work better.
Table of Contents
Ensure the Filter is Clean
One of the easiest and most practical things you can do to improve your electric furnace’s efficiency is to ensure that its filter is clean. Dirty filters lead to reduced airflow, which means more work for the blower motor, less heat reaching the room, and higher energy bills. If you have a permanent or electronic air cleaner, it should be checked at least once a month.Â
If you have a disposable filter, it should be replaced at least every three months during the heating season and more often in very dusty conditions. If a disposable filter is in place for several months and has become clogged with dust particles, it’s probably too late to achieve good results by replacing the filter alone. You’ll have to give your furnace a thorough cleaning as well. Find experts who specialize in “furnace repair near me” to do professional cleaning and maintenance.Â
Use a Programmable Thermostat
One of the biggest contributors to a furnace’s inefficiency is temperature fluctuations. If you turn your heat up and then leave the house or set it too low because you’re unable to adjust it while at home, this will increase your electric usage and cost money unnecessarily. Programmable thermostats allow for heating and cooling scheduling that can help your furnace run more efficiently.Â
The best programmable thermostats for electric furnaces will allow you to set a different temperature while you’re away from home. This is easy enough, but some thermostats can learn your routine and automatically set the desired heating/cooling schedule without any input from you. This setting alone has been shown to save homeowners an average of 11% on their annual heating and cooling costs.
Clear the Area Around the Furnace
To ensure your electric furnace is working as efficiently as possible, you will want to clear the area around it. Clean up any clutter and move storage items away from it and leave a space of at least five feet surrounding your furnace. Your furnace needs to be able to circulate air. If your electric furnace is in an enclosed area, make sure there are vents on all sides of it so that it can get enough oxygen.Â
If possible, open up the doors before turning on the furnace to allow more space for the heating air to circulate. If that is not possible, you can leave a window open in another room when your furnace is running, so there will be an alternate path for the heated air. If your electric furnace is in the basement, make sure there is a venting system for it and that you open all doors leading into other parts of the house to allow proper airflow.Â
Get Regular Electric Furnace Tune-Ups
Periodically having your furnace checked by a professional can help you save money in the long run. The professionals will check for any electric issues, clean out the motor and heating element if necessary, check all of its parts to ensure they are working properly, ensure code regulations are met, and replace old filters with new ones. This will help your furnace work more efficiently and reduce the amount you spend on energy bills.
If there is a problem with the unit, it may be time for you to upgrade or replace your electric furnace altogether. Electric furnaces are typically less expensive than other types but can also use up quite a bit of electricity, increasing your monthly energy bills. On the other hand, they are also more environmentally friendly than some of the older models.
An Efficient Furnace Ensures That You Save Money on Utilities
A furnace that runs efficiently is a great investment. It will ensure you’re paying less for your utilities while still being comfortable in your home during the winter months. Follow these insights to ensure you are getting the most out of your furnace.