What a Difference a Decade Makes.
Older furnaces may deliver only 50-60% efficiency. If your heating and cooling system is over 10 years old, you might be surprised to find out just how many advantages there are to having a new system.
A properly installed furnace can provide 90+ AFUE heating efficiency. In fact, many of our furnaces exceed the EPA Energy Star rating. And with energy savings of up to 40%, the investment can be financially worthwhile. The savings on monthly utility bills will pay back the cost several times over the life of the equipment.
Fall Heating System Tune-Up
What you can do to help your heating or cooling products
run smooth during the seasons you need them most:
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions which generally include these instructions:
- Keep air-supply outlets and return inlets clear of obstructions.
- Clear leaves, brush, and dirt as they accumulate on the outside unit. If there’s a pipe for draining condensate water, check it for blockage.
- Check the air filter once a month during the operating season. Replace it if it looks dirty.
- Invest in a digital thermostat to program temperatures for your heating and cooling system to follow throughout the day. For example, if no one is home during the day, a programmable thermostat can run the air conditioner or furnace at a temperature that will require less energy.
- Routinely have a professional contractor perform a pre-season check-up. Having your heating and cooling system inspected and tuned can save you money on costs and prevent premature breakdown. Schedule your tune-ups early in the spring. You’ll have more scheduling flexibility, and you will be less likely to experience problems during warmer weather.
Here are some of the services your technician will perform during a system check:
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Inspect your heat exchanger, unit wiring, flue pipes and all components.
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Check air filter, safety controls, fan switch, fuel line and shut-off valves.
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Clean burners, ignition components and blower wheels.
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Lubricate motors to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
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Secure all panels.
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Calibrate thermostat for accurate and efficient performance.
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Record system performance.
Air Quality and Energy Savings
Energy efficient accessories can significantly enhance your total home comfort. Electronic air filters and humidifiers improve your indoor air quality.
Indoor air is often even more polluted than outdoor air. Pollen, dust, smoke from cooking and tobacco, animal dander and hair can collect in stagnant indoor air. Mold, the cause of almost 100% of chronic sinus infections, can infect duct systems.
Ask your dealer about electronic air cleaners. Much more effective than disposable and electrostatic filters, electronic filters can eliminate up to 99% of all household irritants.
Humidity is another important factor affecting comfort and health. Low, relative humidity has been cited as a factor in throat and nose irritation. A whole-house humidifier can solve this problem. |
