In colder months, a functional furnace is essential to keeping your home cozy and comfortable. However, greater demand for the furnace results in higher energy consumption and bigger utility bills. To keep costs under control, here are some smart tips for boosting your furnace's energy efficiency.

How to Make Your Furnace More Energy Efficient

1. Clean Filters

Your home's heating and cooling system is equipped with air filters that trap particles and allergens, such as dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mold, and bacteria. A dirty filter obstructs proper airflow, causing a furnace to work harder to circulate warm air throughout your home. HVAC systems with clogged filters can use up to 15% more energy, according to the Department of Energy. Air filters should be changed at least once every three months. More frequent replacements may be warranted if you have pets or if residents experience allergies. 

2. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat temperature just seven degrees for eight hours a day can save you as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs every year. This is easy to achieve with a programmable thermostat. You can set it so that the furnace remains off when the family is at work or school, then have the heat come on when everybody is home. Not only will doing so improve energy efficiency, but it also cuts down on repairs made necessary by the wear and tear of the furnace continually turning on and off. 

3. Create Zones

A zoned heating system divides your home into sections that can be controlled with separate thermostats. This allows you to direct warm air to rooms that need it the most and away from areas that are unoccupied. For example, you can create a zone for a guest bedroom that isn't currently in use and set the thermostat so that it's not needlessly heated. The furnace won't have to work as hard to warm fewer sections of the home.

When you need reliable furnace maintenance or repairs, count on A & B Heating & Air Conditioning. Since 1966, they have provided affordable and reliable heating and cooling services to customers throughout the Tri-State area of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Their technicians are North American Technician Excellence® (NATE) certified to handle any HVAC repair, installation, or preventive maintenance need. Learn more about their services by calling (859) 525-0100 or visiting them online.