How can I be sure my older, recently serviced furnace is operating at peak efficiency?
The first thing I would do is to request a complete energy audit. Sometimes you can receive these complimentary from your utility company. Otherwise, it could run you up to $300, but they can pinpoint any problem areas to be addressed. For older furnaces, there are several things that can help improve their efficiency rating.
• Make sure the duct work is completely insulated and sealed. Older duct work may have fiberglass wrapping with leaky joints or loose near the connection to the inside registers. Foil tape to seal these joints should be followed by the application of an HVAC duct mastic. Thorough duct sealing can cut your heating & cooling costs up to 20%!
• Change filters regularly!
• Clean all registers and make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpet, drapes, etc.
• Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home during the times when no one is there.
• And, while this isn’t a part of your furnace, making sure you have adequate insulation in your attic will definitely help by retaining the heat inside your home better and, in turn, cause the unit to run less often.
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