Cleaning Your HVAC System

Posted on: 5 February 2016

Furnace efficiency does not stay consistent over time. Thus, if you buy a high-efficiency furnace, you can't pat yourself on the back with the assurance that you have done everything in your power to lower your fuel usage and heating costs. Instead, you need to take steps to ensure the continued optimal functioning of your furnace unit. Among other things, you need to inspect for and repair any leaks in your ductwork. Secondly, you need to improve your home's energy efficiency by installing window film on your windows. Not only will this keep your heating costs down, but it will forestall the need for repairs.  

Duct Leaks

Leaky ducts can reduce your system efficiency by up to 40%. While it would be nice if this loss in efficiency were nothing more than a seldom-occurring danger, the truth is that leaks will naturally develop as a result of the pressure created by the air constantly running through your ducts. Thus, the older your furnace is, the more likely it is that you have leaky ducts. If you have ducts which are enclosed inside the drywall of your home, and you have an older furnace, you need to hire a duct company to come inspect and repair your ducts. After all, it makes little sense to buy a 98% efficient furnace and then allow older ducts to decrease your overall efficiency to 58%. 

Window Film

Windows are a notorious weak spot in your home's insulation envelope. While buying double or triple-paned windows will help to improve your home's energy efficiency, heat will still leak out of your home through your windows. By installing a transparent window film on your windows, you can reflect heat back into your home during the winter. Simply by installing window film, you can reduce your heating costs by up to 25%. As an added benefit, the same window film can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 23%.

A properly running heating system will help to keep your heating costs down, but it will also reduce wear and tear on your furnace. After all, if you can decrease the need to run your furnace, it does not have to run as long nor as hard to keep your house comfortable. Thus, if you have to pay a little bit of money to improve your home's insulation envelope and ensure that your furnace is running at its optimum level, you should easily recoup the cost with your energy savings and with the decreased need for furnace repairs. 

For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from http://www.belairplumbing.com.