Winter is coming, and you are looking for ways to make the most out of your furnace. An efficient furnace not only saves you money on electricity bills, but it will also last longer because it doesn’t have to work as hard to make your house comfortable during the harsh cold seasons. Let us look at how you can get the best results from your new furnace.
1. Find the Best Place to Install the New Furnace
Before installing your furnace, you need to find the perfect spot for it. To do this, there are some things you need to account for. One of these is proper fresh air circulation. Furnaces produce a lot of heat when working. Therefore, you need adequate air circulation to cool it down. Also, be careful to avoid places with dryers, washers, and heaters. Just like a furnace, these appliances also produce a lot of heat and need adequate space to function efficiently.
If possible, your HVAC professional will install your new furnace close to its power source, whether that’s a gas line or an appropriate electrical hookup. In addition, they’ll ensure that the furnace is placed in an area with adequate space on all sides of the unit. This makes it easy to access for repairs and maintenance.
Some of the most common places to install a furnace are the garage, basement, and attic. While your garage is a great location for installing a furnace, there are some things to consider. In garages, the furnace should always be installed 18 inches above the ground because garages often contain flammable gases that the furnace can ignite.
A basement with a water heater unit is an added advantage because you already have a ventilation system to use with the furnace. Basements also have adequate space and airflow. Just make sure that you have the furnace installed a few inches above the ground to protect it against flooding.
Many people today install furnaces in the attic if they have no garage or basement. Depending on the size of your attic, Green Energy Mechanical Inc. can install the furnace either vertically or horizontally. If you are planning on horizontal installation, be sure to get a furnace designed to be installed in that position. Attic installation is advantageous because building a vent is easy in this area, making installation more affordable.
2. Ensure That You Get the Right Furnace and Quality Installation
Getting the most out of your furnace starts with how you are installing it. It is important that you work with a trusted contractor like Green Energy Mechanical to assess your needs, get you the right furnace, and ensure that it is installed correctly. When doing this, our technicians will consider the following things:
- Proper furnace size – You need a furnace that can match your home heating load. If you get a unit that is too small, it will boost your energy bills while still not providing the adequate comfort you need. Furthermore, since it will be trying too hard to match your home’s heating load, you will likely be spending more money on repairs than you should be. The same applies to installing a furnace that is too big. It will cycle on and off too frequently, putting excess stress on your system. A furnace that keeps turning on and off will also fail to keep your home as comfortable as it should be.
- Furnace type – There are two main types of furnaces used today: gas and electric furnaces. Gas furnaces are efficient and relatively affordable because of the competitive prices of gas today. If you are not set up for a gas furnace, you can go for an electric furnace instead. They use electric heating elements to warm up the air, making it comfortable for your home.
- Proper installation – After finding the ideal spot for your furnace, our technicians will work carefully to ensure that your unit is installed correctly. There are many different parts that need to be connected and installed well to achieve the best outcome. Getting any part wrong will affect the entire system, compromising your safety, the system’s efficiency, and general performance. One area that our team will focus on is the ductwork. We’ll ensure that your ducts are in good shape so that they efficiently deliver conditioned air to all rooms. If there is any problem, we’ll correct them before the installation process is complete. In some cases, we may need to install new ductwork along with your furnace.
3. Always Ensure the Filter Is Clean
Furnaces pull in cold air from rooms to heat them up. This air can contain hair, dust, and other debris. Therefore, the furnace has a filter to keep these particles from getting into the ducts. After some time, the filter can become densely packed with debris, making it harder for them to function efficiently.
So, to ensure you are getting the best out of your furnace, it’s important to clean or replace the filters regularly. Typically, you need to change or clean your filters at least every three months. If you have pets or made a recent renovation inside your home, you may need to change or clean your filters more frequently.
4. Assist the Furnace in Working Efficiently
Winter in Canton, MA, can be harsh even for the best performing furnace. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help your furnace keep your home comfortable. For instance, you can close the curtains and windows at night to prevent heat from escaping outside. You’ll also want to have your home inspected for leaks around doors and windows. Sealing any leaks will keep the warm air inside your house and the cold air outside.
If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on while the furnace is running. This may seem odd in winter, but it helps to spread warm air throughout the room. The key thing to remember, however, is that the fan needs to be turning in a clockwise direction. When turning in this direction, the fan blades will pull warm air up to the ceiling and help to distribute it throughout your space. Using a fan with your furnace can save you up to 15% on your heating costs.
5. Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat dramatically improves the efficiency of your furnace and can also save you money. When people are out on weekdays for work or school, you can program your thermostat to run the furnace between 10 and 15 degrees lower than it is when you’re home. Then, have the thermostat programmed so that it kicks on and heats your home to a comfortable temperature by the time you arrive back home. You can also use a programmable thermostat to schedule different heating levels for different days of the week.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is critical in avoiding surprises when you need the furnace the most. If you live in Canton or surrounding areas, you can schedule a tune-up appointment with Green Energy Mechanical. During a maintenance appointment, our technicians will inspect the entire heating system for any lurking issues that could lead to problems. We’ll clean all internal components, check wiring, and lubricate any moving parts to keep your furnace operating at its best. If we find an issue that needs to be repaired, we’ll provide a quality fix to ensure that your home stays comfortable
Besides maintaining, repairing, and installing furnaces, we offer electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning services throughout Canton and the surrounding area. We also install geothermal and air-source heat pumps, water heaters, and thermostats. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
To learn more about our highly regarded furnace services in Canton, call our team at Green Energy Mechanical Inc today! We’re here for your comfort all year round. We also offer high-quality indoor air quality, cooling , boiler service and plumbing throughout the area!
Author Bio:
Jonathan Neves
Worked in the HVAC industry since he was 17. He started as an HVAC service technician for commercial buildings and eventually came into the residential market because of his love of working with people. He believes that what really sets Green Energy Mechanical apart is how long they stand behind their work and how compassionate his employees are for their clients.
