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Posted: Nov 29, 2011

The Arizona weather is slowly getting colder. Even if you haven’t yet had to use your furnace, you soon will. These five steps will help you save money on your energy bills and increase your furnace efficiency.

Check/replace your furnace filter.
Your furnace filter removes airborne particles that can be harmful to your furnace. If it has been awhile since you last replaced your furnace filter, there may be a buildup of dirt and grime restricting the airflow to your furnace and causing it to work harder than necessary, which decreases its efficiency.

Install a programmable thermostat.
Heating your home to the same temperature when you are away as when you are at home is wasteful. Perhaps you manually turn the temperature down a few degrees when you leave the house for extended periods of time. It saves you money, but you come home to a cold house and have to wait for it to heat up. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature in your home based on the day and time, to keep you warm and save you money.

Get your annual furnace tune-up.
Annual furnace tune-ups are extremely important. Just like regular oil changes for your vehicle, annual tune-ups keep your furnace running efficiently while extending the life of your system. Without regular furnace tune-ups you will most likely experience a shortened furnace lifespan as well as costly repairs.

Look into a zoned heating system.
Sometimes, even when everything else is done correctly, your furnace’s efficiency is lacking. Zoning your heating and cooling systems allows for different zones in your home to be heated or cooled to different temperatures. This saves you money and increases your furnace’s efficiency by eliminating the frustrating hot and cold spots in your home.

Seal your air ducts.
Old, worn or improperly sealed ducts can result in up to 20% of your heated air escaping on its way from your furnace into your home. By taking the time to have your ductwork professionally sealed, you can lower your energy bill and increase your furnace’s efficiency.

Still experiencing inefficient heating?
If your furnace is over ten years old, it may be time for a replacement. The energy savings can be quite significant and a newer, more efficient furnace can pay for itself quickly.

Contact Hardin Service Group for more information on improving your furnace’s efficiency, or schedule a furnace tune-up online and save 10%.