Heating your home is a heavy expense, particularly in climates where winters can be long and bitter like here in Manitoba. Even if your home is in good condition with a functioning furnace, it may surprise you to know that it is possible your house is still losing heat.
If you would like to reduce your heating costs as much as you can, it is a good idea to take a look at your home for any culprits. In addition, you can examine your furnace system to see if it is running as effectively as it should be. In order to help, we have put together a simple list of tips you can follow to make sure your house is not unnecessarily losing heat.
Consult a Furnace Professional
If you are concerned that your current furnace is not up to the task, it may be time to call a professional to come and take a look. A Winnipeg furnace repair professional can let you know whether your furnace is on its last legs or whether it needs to be repaired. In the event it needs repairs, the professional can help you by fixing it then or if it requires more extensive work or parts needing to be ordered, they can help you by setting up a time that works for you to come back to repair it.
Install a More Efficient Furnace
Everything in your home has a lifespan, and unfortunately that applies to your furnace as well. If your heating costs are through the roof, the culprit may be your furnace itself. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, chances are good that it’s working far less efficiently than it used to. Should you decide to replace it, make sure you do so with a furnace that has an ENERGY STAR rating. ENERGY STAR rated furnaces operate with as much as 15% more energy efficiency than other furnaces.
Check Filter and Ducts for Leakages or Blockages
Another reason for an increased energy bill may be that your furnace filter is clogged or the ducts are either leaking or are blocked. You can easily figure out if this is an issue by checking the vents in every room of your house the next time your furnace kicks in. If there is little to no air flow coming out of a vent, it is probably an indicator that the related duct is either leaking, clogged, or blocked entirely. It could also indicate that the furnace filter is clogged. Narrow down whether the filter or the duct is the problem by removing the filter and then checking the vents. If the vents are blowing air, the problem is the filter. If they are not, the problem is most likely the ducts.
If you have the know-how, inspect the ducts yourself for any sign of leaking. If you do not, put in a call to a professional. They will check everything over and provide you with the solution you need.
Keep Up With General Repairs
While your furnace system is a likely candidate for heat loss, there are other issues that are common with an aging home that you should also consider. Most of these falls under general house maintenance, and can include:
- Damaged caulking around window and door frames.
- Damaged weather stripping around doors.
- Poorly insulated attic, or attic with insulation that needs replacing.
- Windows or doors that do not shut properly.
By ensuring that your furnace is always in top condition and by maintaining your windows, doors, and insulation, you will minimize the amount of heat your house loses. The end result is a good one: lowered heating costs during the coldest months.
Steve DeVries is a “Red Seal” refrigeration technician with over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He has been a certified Lennox Premier technician since 2006. Steve is also a Master gas-fitter licensed by the province of Manitoba. Along with his Red Seal Provincial accreditation he also holds an electrical license. Born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba, Steve has a very good understanding of a diverse climate and the affects it has on our construction. Well versed in duct design, fabrication, ventilation, and air quality, Steve understands all the variables to take into consideration for our region as well as the science to achieve desired comfort, which is so much more than just temperature.